Senior Akalis want Sukhbir out, claim expelled leaders

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 11

The expelled SAD leaders — former MP Rattan Singh Ajnala, his son Amarpal Singh Bony, MP Ranjit Singh Brahmpura and his son Ravinder Singh Brahmpura – on Sunday said they were born Akalis and would continue to be so.

Ajnala said it was painful (their expulsion), yet an expected move. “We had raised our voice against the ill-conceived policies of the party so that steps could be taken for damage control, but it was not acceptable to the core committee. The SAD has now remained confined to the Badal family and their dictatorial attitude is not a good sign,” he said.

Former MLA Amarpal Singh Bony said: “The ball is now in the people’s court. They will decide the fate of the party. We are Akalis by the core of our heart and could never think of deserting the party.”

Brahmpura alleged that the “jija-sala” duo had brought disgrace to the party by compromising on its founding principles. He said the chorus for their ouster was growing in the SAD, but not many leaders were vocal due to the fear unleashed by Sukhbir and company.

“Anyone who questions their autocratic and erroneous ways of handling party affairs is punished in one way or the other,” he alleged.

“Even Maharaja Ranjit Singh was summoned by Akal Takht and punished, but Sukhbir summons jathedars to his house to give them orders,” Brahmpura said.

Former MLA Ravinder Singh Brahmpura said the expulsion of leaders who had nurtured the party with their blood and sweat proved inept leadership of Sukhbir Badal.

“We had reminded the party that inappropriate decisions had dented the sanctity of Akal Takht and the SGPC and that the leadership should apologise to Takht to initiate a fresh beginning. We wanted Sukhbir and Majithia to step down and Parkash Singh Badal to lead,” he said.