Chandigarh, August 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Youth Akali Dal president Gurjit Singh Talwandi on Monday alleged that the Akali faction led by Sukhbir Singh Badal had failed to raise key Punjab-related issues during its recent interaction with the Centre, including the state’s river waters, Chandigarh and the release of Sikh prisoners.
Addressing a press conference here, Talwandi said there had been speculation following a meeting between the faction’s president and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the BJP and the Akali faction were moving towards an alliance. He, however, said Punjab affairs in-charge Nayab Singh Saini had made it clear that the BJP would contest the Punjab elections independently.
Talwandi claimed that the meeting with the Prime Minister had provided Sukhbir Badal an opportunity to raise issues concerning Punjab but alleged that the opportunity was not utilised.
He also questioned Badal’s position on the release of Sikh prisoners, referring to his tenure as Punjab Home Minister. Talwandi alleged that Badal had earlier opposed the transfer of Bhai Davinderpal Singh Bhullar to a Punjab jail on medical grounds, citing concerns over the law-and-order situation, while subsequently speaking in favour of the release of Sikh prisoners outside Parliament.
Welcoming the ongoing proceedings concerning the parole of Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Talwandi said Giani Harpreet Singh had written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah thanking him for recommending Hawara’s parole through the Governor. Talwandi displayed a copy of the letter to the media.
He also thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for writing to the Governor regarding Hawara’s parole.
Talwandi said an Ardas would be offered at Sri Akal Takht Sahib on August 11, the party’s anniversary, for the Chardi Kala of the Panth and Punjab and for the release of Sikh prisoners. He appealed to the Sikh sangat to participate in the Ardas.
Meanwhile, several leaders joined the party. Malkit Singh Hundal, who recently resigned as General Secretary of the Youth Wing of the Badal-led Akali Dal, joined the organisation and was assigned responsibility for the Majha region.
Davinder Singh Sant Sipahi and Jagtar Singh Gill of Amritsar were also inducted into the party.
Working Committee members Amaninder Singh Banni Brar and Tejinder Singh Pannu were present at the press conference. Pannu, who is the party’s media in-charge, issued the statement to the media.
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