Karnail Singh Panjoli Quits Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit)

Amritsar, February 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Karnail Singh Panjoli, a senior Akali leader and a member of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has announced his departure from Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), the faction led by former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh.

Panjoli, regarded as a seasoned figure in Sikh and Akali politics, has previously worked alongside prominent leaders, including veteran stalwart Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra.

He had also played a notable role in the formation of the Punar Surjit faction after a section of rebel Akalis distanced themselves from the Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal.

Panjoli’s departure is being perceived as a significant blow to Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), which has yet to firmly establish itself in Punjab’s political landscape.

Role in the Party and Delegate Responsibility

In a statement shared on social media, Panjoli clarified that he had formally joined Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) and was appointed as a State Delegate during its organizational phase.

He stated that the delegate’s responsibility was limited to participating in the election of the party president — a duty he claimed to have carried out with sincerity and integrity.

According to Panjoli, following the completion of that process, he was not entrusted with any further responsibilities or organizational assignments by the party.

Allegations of Internal Issues

Without naming individuals, Panjoli alleged that certain members within the party had caused him substantial personal, social, and community-level harm.

He further indicated that these circumstances had also resulted in significant financial losses for him.

Despite these difficulties, Panjoli stated that he chose to remain patient and continued his association with the party, prioritizing Panthic interests and the larger goals of the organization over personal grievances.

February 22 Incident Prompted Decision

Panjoli revealed that an incident that occurred on February 22, 2026, ultimately compelled him to sever ties with the party. He did not elaborate on the nature of the incident but indicated that it left him with no choice but to part ways.

He clarified that he did not hold any formal office within the party at the time of his decision, and therefore there was no official post from which he could submit a resignation. However, he made it clear that he should no longer be considered associated with Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) from this point forward.

Message to Party Leadership

Concluding his statement on a conciliatory note, Panjoli extended his prayers for the party’s continued progress and prosperity. He expressed hope that the organization would remain in “Chardi Kala” (high spirits and growth) and sought acceptance for whatever journey he had been able to undertake alongside its leadership and members.

His departure marks a notable development in the evolving political landscape of Punjab’s Akali politics, particularly within the Punar Surjit faction formed after internal divisions in the Shiromani Akali Dal.

Further reactions from party leadership are awaited.