Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) hits back at Ayali, says he derailed Panthic unity efforts

Jalandhar: Days after Akali MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali quit Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), alleging that the party ignored his stand on implementing the Akal Takht edict of Dec 2, 2024, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) leadership on Monday accused him of pursuing personal ambitions and derailing efforts to unite Panthic forces.Addressing a press conference in Jalandhar, Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) senior vice-president Sucha Singh Chhottepur and secretary general Gurpartap Singh Wadala said the issue raised by Ayali had been discussed within the party and resolved earlier during talks with Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De).Chhottepur alleged that coordination between the two parties was progressing smoothly until Ayali was made convener of the coordination committee. "He derailed the talks immediately after becoming convener," he claimed.The leaders maintained that Akali leaders who appeared before the Akal Takht and underwent religious punishment could not be denied a role in the party on moral grounds.Chhottepur also alleged that Ayali had remained silent on several issues concerning Punjab and did not raise matters against the state govt in the Assembly.‘Amend anti-sacrilege law'Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) demanded amendments to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Amendment) Act, 2026, alleging that some provisions amounted to interference in Sikh religious affairs. The party said it would submit memorandums to deputy commissioners across Punjab on June 1 and 2 seeking changes in the Act.