Prem Singh Chandumajra quits revived Akali Dal outfit

Former Member of Parliament Prem Singh Chandumajra has announced his decision to part ways with the revived Akali Dal outfit, citing differences in thinking, views and working style with Giani Harpreet Singh. He, however, reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the interests of Punjab, the Panth and Punjabi identity.

Chandumajra said the Shiromani Akali Dal represented the Panth and Punjab, and expressed concern over the party’s inability to play an effective role in protecting the state’s interests under the present circumstances.

He said that despite what he described as anti-people and anti-Punjab decisions of the government, the lack of political activity had restricted the opposition’s role largely to statements in newspapers.

Pointing to divisions within different Akali factions, Chandumajra said forces opposed to Panthic interests were taking advantage of the fragmentation. He called for all Akali and Panthic groups to unite on a common platform.

With the Punjab Assembly elections approaching, he said unity and a collective voice among pro-Punjab forces was essential to protect the state’s interests.

Explaining his decision to leave the revived Akali Dal outfit, Chandumajra said he had recently appealed for Panthic unity and a common platform. However, Giani Harpreet Singh’s public response to his appeal made him realise that their thinking, views and working styles were not aligned.

He said he had decided to separate from the organisation to avoid unnecessary differences and reiterated that his commitment to the Panth, Punjab, Punjabiat and the rights of the state would remain unchanged.