Warring Akali groups field joint face in Nagoke

Warring Akali factions gave a joint candidate for the rural bodies’ poll from the Nagoke zone here, a move being seen as a shift in the Panthic politics.

In a four-way block samiti contest, Dalbir Singh has got the backing of Sukhbir Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) and the Akali Dal (Punar Surjit).

While the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) is headed by Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha MP Amritpal Singh — who is currently lodged in an Assam jail — Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) is a breakaway faction of the SAD led by former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh.

The breakaway SAD group includes the rebels who had spearheaded a campaign seeking the the leadership change in the party.

The zone, comprising nearly 5,000 votes, includes panchayats of Nagoke and Nagoke Morh, both currently aligned with ruling AAP.

Ruling AAP has fielded Surjit Singh for the block samiti poll from the zone while the BJP has place the bet on Harkamaljit Singh Fauji.

The Congress has fielded Jaskaran Singh, making it a four-way contest.

Ram Singh, a leader of the Amritpal-led party, said he firmly supported the idea of coming together of all Akali groups across Punjab.

Hardev Singh Nagoke, a local SAD leader, too endorsed the move, saying it aimed at giving Akali politics a new direction and hoped such unity would continue in future.

Leaders of the SAD breakaway too extended support to Dalbir Singh, strengthening his position in the race.