Breaking: SAD (Punar Surjit) Splits; Iqbal Singh Jhundan, 15 leaders float separate faction, forge alliance with Waris Punjab De; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 21, 2026: Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) suffered a major split on Tuesday after senior leader Iqbal Singh Jhundan and 15 other leaders announced the formation of a separate faction and declared an alliance with Waris Punjab De.
Addressing the media in Chandigarh, Jhundan said the decision was taken in view of the current political and Panthic situation in Punjab. He said the state, particularly the Khalsa Panth, needed strong, fearless and committed leadership to safeguard Panthic interests.
Jhundan claimed that Amritpal Singh, the chief of Waris Punjab De, had the ability to unite Panthic forces on a common platform. He said the alliance was aimed at protecting Punjab's interests and bringing together fragmented Panthic groups under one banner.
The split marks a significant setback for SAD (Punar Surjit), exposing internal divisions within the party. The political development is expected to have implications for Punjab's Panthic politics ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Jhundan also claimed that the leadership of Amritpal Singh could bring together different Panthic groups on a common platform. He said the objective of the move was to strengthen efforts for issues concerning the Sikh community and Punjab.
According to sources, differences over the party's policies and future strategy had been brewing within SAD (Punar Surjit) for some time. Several workers and senior leaders were reportedly dissatisfied with the party's functioning.
The Jhundan-led faction maintained that the party had drifted away from its original objectives and was not adequately raising Panthic issues, prompting the group to formally break away and join Waris Punjab De.
The development marks a significant setback for SAD (Punar Surjit), with the split exposing internal divisions ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.