Rebel Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA from Dakha, Manpreet Singh Ayali, will formally join Amritpal Singh-led Waris Punjab De in Chandigarh on Tuesday, marking a significant political development in Punjab’s evolving political landscape.
The joining ceremony would be presided over by Amritpal Singh’s father, Tarsem Singh.
Confirming the move to The Tribune, Ayali said he would formally join Waris Punjab De on Tuesday. The Dakha legislator has been associated with the outfit for several months, with candidates backed by him in the Zila Parishad and Panchayat elections campaigning using photographs of Amritpal Singh.
Since Waris Punjab De is not a registered political party, Ayali is unlikely to face disqualification under anti-defection provisions. However, the SAD may choose to expel him from the party.
Ayali claimed that several political leaders and supporters were waiting for him to make the move before announcing their own decisions.
“Waris Punjab De is sure to have a strong base at the ground level, and people will see this in the coming days,” he said.
He further asserted that the next five to six months would witness a series of high-profile inductions into the organisation.
“Gradually, all the details will come out about who the bigwigs joining Waris Punjab De are,” he added.
Responding to reports of AAP MLA Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh being seen with WPD leaders, Ayali said, “Let’s wait and watch. He is thinking about it, and there are very good chances that he may join the party.”
Ayali had earlier aligned himself with the SAD (Punar Surjeet) faction but later distanced himself from the outfit.
The development is being seen as a boost for Waris Punjab De as it seeks to expand its political footprint in Punjab ahead of future electoral contests.
