Gurdeep Bath, Baba Beli join Akali Dal Waris Punjab De as party expands in Malwa
Prabhjot Kaur Sidhu
Chandigarh, August 25, 2026: Akali Dal Waris Punjab De on Tuesday announced the induction of two prominent personalities from Punjab, including former independent Barnala bypoll candidate Gurdeep Singh Bath and noted writer Harpreet Singh, popularly known as Baba Beli.
The development comes as the party seeks to strengthen its presence in the Malwa region, a key political zone in Punjab. Bath, an M Tech in Electronics and a prominent figure associated with the Aam Aadmi Party in Barnala, joined the party along with Baba Beli, who holds a PhD in Public Administration and is known for his literary work.
Bapu Tarsem Singh, Manpreet Singh Ayali and Faridkot MP Bhai Sarabjit Singh Khalsa formally welcomed the two into the party by presenting them with siropas.
Speaking after joining the party, Bath said Punjab's rights could not be adequately protected by political leadership controlled from Delhi. He said Punjab had suffered because of compromises over its interests and argued that the state needed a strong regional political alternative capable of taking up its issues without vested interests.
Baba Beli said Punjab was looking for a leadership with a long-term vision to address issues including debt, drugs and what he described as political self-interest. He claimed that Akali Dal Waris Punjab De was currently the only political party in the state consistently raising issues concerning Punjab and the Panth.
Bapu Tarsem Singh welcomed the two leaders and said their experience and commitment would be valued within the party. Appealing to Punjab's youth to participate in politics, he said young people had the ability to contribute to protecting the interests of the state just as they had demonstrated their capabilities while serving the country.
Ayali said the party was receiving growing support across Punjab, particularly among young people. He claimed that a large number of youth were joining Akali Dal Waris Punjab De because they were seeking political leadership without personal or vested interests.
Bhai Sarabjit Singh Khalsa described Akali Dal Waris Punjab De as an emerging political alternative in Punjab and said people were increasingly recognising it as a regional political force.
He also referred to the proposed Panthic gathering at the historic land of Baba Bakala, saying the event could have a significant impact on Punjab's political landscape.