Ludhiana, June 9 – Former Punjab minister and ex-BJP MLA Anil Joshi on Monday rejoined the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), nearly six months after quitting the party. His return took place in Ludhiana in the presence of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who warmly welcomed him back.
Joshi, who had resigned from the Akali Dal in November last year, had contested the recent Amritsar Lok Sabha seat on a SAD ticket, but lost. Despite the defeat, he said his commitment to strengthening the party and regional identity remained unchanged.
“It gives me immense pleasure that Joshi ji has decided to rejoin SAD in the interest of Punjab and Punjabiat,” said Badal. “He is like my younger brother. Our bond spans two decades. Together, we will work to restore peace and communal harmony in the state.”
Joshi said the time had come to reinforce the strength of a regional party that understands the pulse of Punjabis. “SAD has always worked for the welfare of all segments of society and will continue to do so,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his faith in the party’s ability to represent Punjabi aspirations, particularly amid shifting national political trends.
A two-time BJP MLA from Amritsar North (2007–2017), Joshi had served as Minister for Local Bodies and Medical Education in the SAD-BJP alliance government. He was expelled by the BJP in 2021 after he publicly criticised the party’s handling of the farmers’ agitation, following which he joined SAD.
Joshi is now expected to play an active role in SAD’s campaign for the June 19 Ludhiana West Assembly by-election.
