New outfits in Punjab

Punjab has two new outfits, both launched by rebels of established but crumbling parties, the SAD and AAP. Unsurprisingly, in both cases the rebels seek to tap into the same territories as the parties they have abandoned. Sacked Akali leaders led by MP Ranjit Singh Brahmpura have named their party Shiromani Akali Dal (Taksali) — the suffix laying claim to the legacy of the original Akali Dal. But that is about all they may have to sell to the voter, at least for now. The three main ‘Taksali’ leaders are hoping to fetch the Sikh vote by condemning the Badals, but their absolute submission during the 10 years of SAD rule may have already diminished them in the public eye.

The Khaira group of AAP rebels, MP Dharamvir Gandhi, and the Bains brothers of the LIP, have launched a ‘front’, christened the Punjab Democratic Alliance, and not a party. That itself is admission that they are a grouping of divergent interests that want to retain their independence while taking advantage of coming together too. But the history of the star cast is such that it inspires little confidence of the alliance lasting beyond a few press conferences; cracks showed up within a day. Admittedly, the group brings to the table a lot of energy and passion; it has even made a few customary promises in the name of the poor and religious hurt. But beyond that, the alliance acutely lacks a wider vision or purpose.

A common thread between the two new outfits is a stated goal of breaking the Badals’ hold on the SGPC, and ensuring justice for the incidents of sacrilege and the shooting of two Sikhs during protests. It is a sure indicator of the vacuum in Sikh leadership that has developed in the wake of setbacks to the SAD. The Punjab electorate’s hunt for a viable ‘third alternative’ in view of the continued joblessness and agricultural crisis also serves to trigger ambition among the many political elements floating loose in the state. The voters may well hope to see more marriages and divorces till 2022.