Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa-led SAD Sanyukt announces merger with Shiromani Akali Dal

PTC Web Desk: The SAD (Sanyukt) led by Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa on Tuesday officially declared its merger with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), under the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal. The consolidation was confirmed after a recent meeting between Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and SAD chief Sukhbir Badal, where they resolved differences and solidified the reunion.

Following this development, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa convened a meeting with party office-bearers and district presidents to advance the discussions. The unity talks, initiated on December 24 last year, gained momentum after Sukhbir Badal issued an apology for alleged wrongdoings by his party leaders. Subsequently, Dhindsa established a five-member committee to further explore the prospects of unity.

It's noteworthy that Parminder Singh Dhindsa, son of Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, served as the Finance Minister in the previous SAD-BJP government (2012-17). If reports are to be believed, he may be the SAD candidate for Sangrur in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections in 2024. Currently, Simranjit Singh Mann, a leader of SAD(A), holds the position of the incumbent MP from Sangrur.

Describing the merger as a collective effort to restore stability to Punjab, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said the decision was prompted by a strong desire among leaders and workers to unite with the SAD. He also highlighted Sukhbir Singh Badal's sincere remorse for the sacrilege cases in 2015, which influenced the decision.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, along with senior SAD leaders, visited Dhindsa's residence before addressing the media. Sukhbir Singh Badal referred to the merger as the union of two families and urged Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa to assume the role of patron of the SAD, considering his seniority after the demise of Sardar Parkash Singh Badal. He acknowledged Dhindsa's and other leaders' significant contributions to building the SAD and assured respect to all SAD (Sanyukt) leaders who joined, including former finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa.

Sukhbir Singh Badal also extended a heartfelt appeal to all former leaders who had left the party to rejoin, emphasising that the SAD alone could safeguard the aspirations of Punjabis. He expressed readiness to tender an apology to anyone and specifically appealed to Bibi Jagir Kaur to return to the party.

Responding to questions, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said that the decision to rejoin the SAD was driven by the current circumstances in Punjab, citing the recent events in the Vidhan Sabha and the need to counter the breakdown of law and order, discrimination against farmers and marginalised sections, and challenges faced by trade and industry.

Among prominent SAD (Sanyukt) leaders who rejoined the SAD are Sarwan Singh Philllaur, Parkash Chand Garg, Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas, Justice (retd) Nirmal Singh, Sukhdev Singh Sarao, Manjit Singh Dasuha, Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh, and SGPC members Jasdev Singh, Rampal Singh, Malkiat Singh, and Baldev Singh Chunghan.

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