Dhindsa to float party today to take on Badals

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 6

Punjab is likely to witness a multi-cornered contest in the next Assembly elections withrebel Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa today announcing a new party that would “mainly oppose” the SAD and the Badal family.

Dhindsa will hold a meeting of his supporters in Ludhiana tomorrow and then make a formal announcement. “Our doors are open to all

like-minded leaders who want to free the SGPC from the clutches of the Badals,” said Dhindsa.

He was here to induct Akali-turned-Congress leader Tejinderpal Singh Sandhu into his party. Rebel Akalis led by RS Brahmpura had formed the SAD (Taksali) last year ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Dhindsa shared stage with them but did not jointhe outfit. Dhindsa quit the SAD as its Raja Sabha leader in October 2019. The same year he was awarded the Padma Bhushan.

“Dhindsa first objected to Sukhbir Badal’s leadership and then refused to take orders from SAD-Taksali chief Brahmpura,” remarked SAD spokesperson DS Cheema.