Dakha MLA Manpreet Ayali joins Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), rules out BJP alliance

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA from Dakha, Manpreet Singh Ayali, on Tuesday joined the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) organisation. He listed the release of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, freedom of Bandi Singhs, and progress of Punjab as his top priorities.

He also ruled out any alliance with BJP and said AD-WPD would pursue all demands of Punjab through democratic means. Responding to a media query on whether WPD would pursue the Khalistan agenda or follow democratic ways, Ayali said he would pursue his agenda through democratic means.

The organisation’s working president and detained MP Amritpal Singh’s father, Tarsem Singh, welcomed Ayali into the organization. Mandeep Singh Sidhu, brother of Waris Punjab De founder Deep Sidhu, was also present and said Ayali’s joining marked the start of the campaign for the 2027 Assembly elections.

Since Waris Punjab De is not a registered party, Ayali will continue to be an MLA of the Shiromani Akali Dal led by Sukhbir Singh Badal. “I will not resign from the Shiromani Akali Dal for now,” he said. He categorically ruled out the possibility of an alliance with BJP.

Addressing mediapersons and workers, Ayali said he had joined WPD to take up issues of Punjab, the Sikh Panth, and handing over Chandigarh to Punjab. He termed the Bhakra Beas Management Board unconstitutional.

Tarsem Singh said Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) was formed to save Punjab’s youth from drugs and unemployment. He said Waris Punjab De was a sapling sown by singer-turned-activist Deep Sidhu. “We are nurturing the plant and trying to save youth from drugs. Amritpal is innocent and has been wrongly jailed. I salute Punjabis for voting him to Parliament, as Punjabis are against any highhandedness. He is not being allowed to attend Parliament and has not been released,” he said.

He added, “We tried to unite with Panthic leaders and Akali Dal (Sanyukt) but it did not materialise. We welcome him to our organisation and will invite more like-minded leaders to join us.”