File Photo of Karnail Singh Panjoli
Big Setback to Giani Harpreet Singh; Karnail Singh Panjoli Quits Punar Surjit Akali Dal
Panjoli Quits ‘Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit)’, Cites Dissatisfaction; Turbulence Deepens in Sikh Politics
Babushahi Bureau
Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab), February 24, 2026: In a major political development, senior Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member and Taksali leader Karnail Singh Panjoli has resigned from the newly formed Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), delivering another setback to the party led by Giani Harpreet Singh.
Panjoli’s departure is being viewed as a significant political loss for the fledgling outfit, which has been attempting to consolidate Panthic leadership under a new banner. While Panjoli cited personal reasons in his resignation note, political observers suggest that dissatisfaction over the party’s functioning and decision-making process played a key role in his decision.
Sources indicate that Panjoli was unhappy with the importance being accorded to traditional and senior leaders within the party structure. Known for advocating reforms within Sikh institutions, he reportedly felt that the party was not aligning with his long-standing objectives.
A prominent face in Sikh politics, Panjoli has previously been associated with Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) and has served in multiple capacities within the SGPC.
In a detailed social media post addressed to the party leadership, Panjoli stated that he had enrolled as a state delegate of Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) and fulfilled his responsibility in the election of the party president with sincerity. However, he claimed that he was not assigned any further role thereafter.
He further alleged that certain individuals within the party had caused harm to his caste, community, and social standing, leading to financial losses. Despite enduring these challenges in the interest of Panthic unity and party welfare, Panjoli said an incident that occurred on February 22, 2026, compelled him to part ways with the organisation.
Clarifying that he did not hold any formal post to resign from, he stated that he should no longer be considered part of the party. Concluding his message, Panjoli prayed for the party’s progress and thanked the leadership for the journey he had shared with them.