Simranjit calls for Akali unity, says Sukhbir acceptable to all

A day after the Tarn Taran bypoll results, SAD (Amritsar) chief and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann on Saturday gave a clarion call for all splinter Akali factions to unite. He asserted that only collective strength could ensure political success in 2027.

He also surprised many by saying that SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal would be acceptable to all groups, if unity is forged.

Mann, a known hardline Sikh leader, who was in Bathinda to appeal to the public for his party’s programme to observe Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom day on November 23 at Dina Kangar village in Moga, said divisions within the Panth had cost them dearly. “If the Panth had reached an understanding, we could have won. Those who were with us, including the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), never declared it was a common candidate. When there is an understanding, the partners walk together,” he said, adding that Mandeep Singh had been their candidate in the bypoll.

Calling unity essential for the 2027 elections, the SAD (Amritsar) chief said, “...if all come together, the possibility of gaining power emerges.”

When asked whether Sukhbir Singh Badal would be acceptable to all Akali factions, Mann, in a lighter vein, quipped, “Now that Sukhbir’s beard is full and his ‘dhidd’ (belly) is large, he will certainly be acceptable. He looks like an Akali.”