Akali show of strength, as Majithia arrives in Amritsar after bail

Amritsar: Having been released on bail nearly seven months after his arrest in connection with a disproportionate assets case, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) functionary Bikram Singh Majithia arrived in Amritsar on Monday evening, triggering a massive show of strength by party workers and supporters.Several Akali supporters gathered at Golden Gate to welcome Majithia, while party leaders and workers lined up along his route as his convoy entered the city.
In view of the large turnout, security agencies remained on high alert even as the police launched Operation Prahaar 2.0 across Punjab for the next 72 hours to prevent any law-and-order situation.The vigilance bureau had arrested Majithia on June 25 last year. Supreme Court on Feb 2 granted him bail, noting that the chargesheet had already been filed.At Golden Gate, Majithia stepped out of his vehicle, greeted supporters, and thanked party workers for standing by him. However, the roadshow caused massive traffic congestion on GT Road, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Akali leaders described Majithia's bail as a "victory of truth", stating that his return boosted the morale of party workers.After the welcome, Majithia proceeded to Golden Temple, where he paid obeisance. A large number of party leaders and supporters accompanied him.Majithia's return came amid renewed political activity within SAD. After being released from jail in a disproportionate assets case, he publicly spoke about uniting various factions of the party. He stated that he was willing to go to any extent, even walking barefoot to senior leaders, to strengthen the party and work in the larger interest of Punjab. He had also stated that SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who visited him in jail, encouraged him to pursue the unity process. According to party leadership, Majithia may hold a meeting with party office-bearers on Tuesday to review organisational matters and discuss the current political scenario.