Patiala, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
In another setback to the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), senior Akali leader and former Member of Parliament Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra on Wednesday announced his decision to part ways with the party, citing differences in thinking, ideology and working style with its president, Giani Harpreet Singh.
Chandumajra, who was among the prominent Akali leaders who rebelled against Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and played a key role in the formation of SAD (Punar Surjit), said the need of the hour was to bring all Akali and Panthic forces together on a common platform to safeguard the interests of Punjab and the Sikh Panth.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Chandumajra said the Shiromani Akali Dal had historically been the representative political organisation of Punjab and the Panth, and he was proud to have participated actively in struggles for their rights throughout his public and political career.
However, he expressed anguish over the inability of the divided Akali leadership to play an effective role in protecting Punjab’s interests under the prevailing political circumstances.
Differences with Giani Harpreet Singh
Explaining his decision to leave SAD (Punar Surjit), Chandumajra referred to the public response of Giani Harpreet Singh to his recent appeal for Panthic unity.
He said the response had made him realise that their thinking, approach and working styles were not compatible.
Chandumajra said he had therefore decided to relieve both himself and Giani Harpreet Singh of an unnecessary burden by separating from the SAD (Punar Surjit) organisation.
He clarified that his commitment to the Sikh Panth, Punjab, Punjabi identity and the protection of the state’s rights would remain unchanged.
Calls for Unity of Akali and Panthic Forces
The former MP said that despite what he described as anti-people and anti-Punjab decisions of the government, the lack of meaningful political activity had reduced the role of Akali leaders to issuing statements in newspapers.
He expressed concern that forces opposed to the interests of the Panth were taking advantage of divisions among different Akali factions.
Chandumajra maintained that bringing all Akali and Panthic organisations together on a common platform had become the most pressing political necessity.
Referring to the approaching 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, he said unity among Punjab-oriented political forces and a collective voice were essential for safeguarding the state’s interests.
He emphasised that the struggle for the rights of Punjab and the Panth could not be effectively pursued while Akali forces remained divided.
Another Setback for SAD Punar Surjit
Chandumajra’s departure marks another setback for SAD (Punar Surjit), which was formed by a group of senior Akali leaders who had revolted against the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Chandumajra was among the prominent figures instrumental in bringing together the rebel Akali leaders and establishing the new political organisation.
However, instead of assuming the party’s top leadership themselves, the senior leaders chose former Acting Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh, as president of the newly formed party.
Since its formation, SAD (Punar Surjit) has faced a series of organisational setbacks, with several leaders leaving the party at different stages.
Chandumajra’s exit adds to the challenges facing the Giani Harpreet Singh-led organisation as political parties prepare for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
While announcing his separation from the party, Chandumajra did not disclose his next political move or indicate whether he intended to join another Akali faction.
His renewed emphasis on Panthic unity, however, signals that he intends to remain politically active and continue advocating the consolidation of Punjab-oriented and Akali forces.
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