Akali Dal is in deep crisis, uniting splinter groups will resolve all problems … Punjab needs a decisive regional force: MLA

For the past three years, three-time MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali has been one of the consistent voices calling for leadership change in the party. The Akali leader was one of the five members of a committee that former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh had set up last December for conducting a membership drive to pave the way for organisational reforms in the party. Raghbir Singh’s decision came following the pronouncement of religious punishment on Badal and the Akali leadership for multiple failings, including the killing of two men in police firing during a protest against sacrilege and a controversial pardon granted to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim.

Ayali was also a part of the six-member Jhundan Committee that the SAD leadership formed in 2022 after its debacle in the Assembly elections that year. The committee visited 100 constituencies and suggested a raft of changes, including a leadership change.

In an interview, the MLA from Dakha, Ludhiana, talks about his “Amritsar Chalo (Let’s go to Amritsar)” call on Tuesday and the divisions in the party.

Excerpts:

What is the “Amritsar Chalo” call?

The “Amritsar Chalo” call is for March 18 with the aim of Panthic unity. We want to start the recruitment drive to reorganise the party. As per the directions of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, a seven-member recruitment committee was formed by the Akal Takht Jathedar on December 2 last year. On March 3, two members resigned and it became a five-member committee.

So, on the directions of the Akal Takht Sahib, we will be starting the recruitment drive. We have appealed to all the Panthic organisations to reach Amritsar at 10 am that day. After paying obeisance at the Akal Takht Sahib, we will start the recruitment drive. It will continue for six months and after that we will elect our president. All SAD supporters, for the sake of Panthic unity, should set aside their egos and join this drive.

The Akali Dal already conducted a recruitment drive from January 20 to February 20 and they claimed to have recruited over 35 lakh members as well …

They formed their committee. So, that cannot be considered. Whatever we do March 18 onwards will be as per the directions of Akal Takht Sahib.

The SGPC has removed the Jathedars of Akal Takht Sahib, Takht Kesgarh Sahib, and Takht Damdama Sahib. What is your opinion?

The Jathedars were replaced to stop this recruitment drive, but it will go on as per the directives of the Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar. We are aware that Jathedars have been replaced. But so far, we have got no new directions from the existing Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib. So, the previous directives stand as it is. Rest all depends on what will happen on March 18. Akali Dal is in a deep crisis, I am also an Akali and I firmly believe that by uniting we will resolve everything.

What will you try and achieve during this drive?

The most important task will be to work towards the unity of all the splinter groups of the Akali Dal. We appeal to one and all to join under one platform and form only one Akali Dal in Punjab.

First, we all need to be united and only then can we move out and include people from all walks of life, we approach all the Akali Dal groups, and even the leaders who are no longer active. I am sure that all Panthic organisations will unite as this is what the Jathedar of the Akal Takht Sahib said last December.

Will you reach out to the Badals and Balwinder Singh Bhundar, now the working president of the SAD?

Yes, we will approach each and every one. We will appeal to them to set aside their ego and unite under one platform. Punjab needs a decisive regional party for the betterment of the masses.

What do you have to say about the current law and order situation?

Law and order is out of the hands of the ruling party (AAP) and we can sense that radical forces are trying to raise their head to disturb the peace. We cannot afford to have the dark days of Punjab yet again. If we unite, no one can dare create a tense atmosphere in the state. If the Akali Dal is united, no one can defeat us. I am sure that the revival of Akali Dal will happen soon and more and more people will be part of this recruitment drive. All eyes are now on March 18.