CHANDIGARH, MAY 16— Former Punjab Cabinet Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra has been expelled from the Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) following confirmations that the veteran politician intends to join the ruling Aam Aadmi Party.
The disciplinary action, ordered by party president Giani Harpreet Singh, was announced following reports of structural shifts within political circles in Patiala. Party representatives stated that the leadership acted swiftly to address what they termed as alignment choices contrary to the organization’s current goals and directives.
“This decision has been taken due to Rakhra’s anti-party activities,” stated the party’s chief spokesperson, Jagjit Singh Kohli, while confirming the formal expulsion order.
Arrangements at the veteran leader’s residence have already been finalized to facilitate the high-profile transition. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is scheduled to visit Rakhra Niwas at 3 p.m. to formally welcome the former minister into the party fold. Administrative and regional party coordinators have spent the past 24 hours finalized the logistical details for the induction ceremony.
Defending his decision to sever ties with his former organization, Rakhra cited long-standing ideological concerns regarding regional religious matters and public sentiment. He maintained that the ruling administration’s legislative actions regarding strict penalties for religious desecration influenced his political realignment.
“The AAP government has respected the sentiments of the Sikhs by making a law to ensure strict punishment for those who commit sacrilege,” Rakhra declared, adding that past handling of these sensitive matters by traditional regional parties necessitated his departure.
The political shift is expected to alter the administrative and electoral dynamics in the Patiala belt, where Rakhra has long maintained a notable support base among rural and agricultural communities.
