Hours after former Akali minister Surjit Singh Rakhra confirmed his decision to join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) on Friday suspended him from the party over alleged anti-party activities.
The suspension orders were issued by party president Giani Harpreet Singh in view of Rakhra’s activities against the party’s interests.
Meanwhile, preparations were underway for Rakhra’s formal induction into AAP, scheduled for Saturday.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to reach Rakhra’s residence on Saturday afternoon to induct him into the ruling party. Speaking to The Tribune, Rakhra said he decided to leave the breakaway faction of the Akali Dal because of incidents of sacrilege involving Guru Granth Sahib. He claimed the AAP government has respected Sikh sentiments by bringing strict laws against sacrilege and said he appreciated the government’s stand on the issue.
Political observers view Rakhra’s induction as significant for AAP at a time when several leaders, including seven Rajya Sabha members, have distanced themselves from the ruling party.
The development has also triggered political discussions in the Samana Assembly constituency, from where Rakhra is aspiring to contest the next Assembly election. He has contested from the constituency five times and won twice. The seat is currently represented by AAP MLA Chetan Singh Jouramajra.
