Chandigarh, June 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
In a major political development that could have significant implications for Punjab’s Panthic politics, Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali on Tuesday formally joined Akali Dal Waris Punjab De and announced that he would work from the platform led by Khadoor Sahib MP Bhai Amritpal Singh to raise issues concerning the Sikh Panth, Punjab and Punjabi identity.
The announcement was made in the presence of Bhai Amritpal Singh’s father Tarsem Singh, Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, and senior leader Mandeep Singh Sidhu, who welcomed Ayali into the party and described his joining as a significant addition to the movement.
Addressing journalists after formally joining the party, Ayali made it clear that while he had chosen a new political platform, his ideological roots remained unchanged.
“I was an Akali, I am an Akali, and I will remain an Akali,” he declared.
Ayali emphasized that Akali ideology was not the monopoly of any particular family, group or faction. Rather, he said, it represented a historic movement dedicated to safeguarding the rights of Punjab, the Sikh Panth and the people of the state.
Punjab Passing Through a Critical Phase
The Dakha legislator said Punjab was currently passing through one of the most challenging periods in its history. He pointed to serious concerns relating to the state’s economy, agriculture, youth, natural resources and social fabric.
According to him, the present circumstances demanded that political leaders rise above conventional political boundaries and personal interests to protect Punjab’s future.
Ayali said that a strong, fearless and principled voice was needed to defend Punjab’s rights and aspirations and that Akali Dal Waris Punjab De had emerged as a platform committed to pursuing those objectives.
Demand for Release of Bandi Singhs and MP Amritpal Singh
Speaking on Panthic issues, Ayali strongly demanded the immediate release of Sikh prisoners, commonly referred to as Bandi Singhs, who have completed their judicial sentences but continue to remain incarcerated.
He described their continued detention as a grave injustice and a violation of basic human rights and legal principles.
Ayali also sought the immediate release of Khadoor Sahib MP Bhai Amritpal Singh, who remains in custody despite being elected to the Lok Sabha with a massive public mandate.
He argued that in a democracy, the will of the people must be respected and said the people of Punjab had delivered a clear message by electing Amritpal Singh to Parliament.
“The government should immediately release Bhai Amritpal Singh and all his associates,” Ayali said, adding that Akali Dal Waris Punjab De would continue to struggle for these demands and that he would strengthen the movement from within the party.
Anandpur Sahib Resolution Must Be Protected
Ayali also highlighted the importance of the historic Anandpur Sahib Resolution, describing it as the most powerful framework available for protecting Punjab’s constitutional, political, economic, territorial and water rights.
He said Punjab had historically advocated greater powers for states and a genuinely federal structure.
According to him, the Anandpur Sahib Resolution was not merely a political document but a charter safeguarding Punjab’s interests and identity.
Claiming that states’ rights were increasingly being eroded, Ayali stressed the need to firmly defend the principles enshrined in the resolution in order to safeguard Punjab’s future.
Punjab’s Strength Lies in Communal Harmony
Referring to Punjab’s social fabric, Ayali said the state had always been known for communal harmony, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among people of different religions and communities.
He emphasized that Punjab’s real strength lay in its diversity and unity and warned against attempts to create social divisions or communal polarization.
Ayali asserted that any form of sectarianism, hatred or efforts to divide society would be strongly opposed.
Why He Chose Akali Dal Waris Punjab De
Responding to a question about why he chose to join Akali Dal Waris Punjab De, Ayali said Punjab today faced a challenge much bigger than simply changing governments or political parties.
“The issue before Punjab is not merely about changing rulers. It is about protecting Punjab’s existence, dignity and the future of coming generations,” he said.
He argued that traditional politics had failed to meet the expectations of the people for a long time, resulting in neglect of critical issues affecting Punjab and weakening the voice advocating the state’s rights.
Ayali said Punjab needed ideological unity and a renewed political direction to effectively address the challenges confronting the state.
Concern Over Debt, Drugs, Unemployment and Migration
Expressing concern over Punjab’s current condition, Ayali said the state was burdened with mounting debt while unemployment, drug abuse, industrial stagnation and rural distress had assumed alarming proportions.
He noted that a large number of talented young Punjabis were migrating abroad in search of employment and better opportunities, which he described as deeply worrying.
According to him, the prevailing situation required a Punjab-centric and people-oriented political strategy more than ever before.
Vision for Inclusive Governance and Development
Outlining his vision for the future, Ayali said every section of society should receive its rightful share in governance and decision-making.
He promised focused initiatives for the welfare of Dalits, backward classes and economically weaker sections.
To create employment opportunities within Punjab, he advocated policies encouraging small-scale industries and food-processing units across the state.
Ayali said special emphasis would be laid on promoting entrepreneurship and generating jobs so that Punjab’s youth could build their futures within the state instead of being forced to migrate overseas.
Rural Development and Smart Villages
Focusing on rural Punjab, Ayali proposed a dedicated rural development model aimed at ensuring balanced growth and improved living standards.
He suggested the creation of planned residential colonies and “Smart Villages” for poor and needy families in view of growing population pressures and shortages of residential land.
The MLA said rural infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities would have to be significantly strengthened to ensure sustainable development.
Zero-Tolerance Against Drugs, Gangsterism and Corruption
Ayali also announced support for a zero-tolerance approach towards drugs, gangsterism and corruption.
He said these issues had severely damaged Punjab’s social and economic fabric and required decisive action to restore public confidence and secure the future of the younger generation.
Call for Punjab-Centric Unity
Concluding his address, Ayali appealed to all Punjab-centric political, social and Panthic organizations working for the rights of farmers, youth, water resources and constitutional safeguards to come together on a common platform.
He also called upon Punjabis living in India and abroad to unite with a renewed vision for Punjab’s progress, prosperity and future.
Ayali maintained that only through ideological unity, strong leadership and a collective commitment to Punjab’s interests could the state overcome its present challenges and move towards a brighter future.
FOLLOW NOW
