Shiromani Akali Dal gains strength in Pathankot, Gurdaspur as leaders join party

Pathankot/Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The Shiromani Akali Dal received a major boost in Pathankot and Gurdaspur as several senior leaders from Congress, Aam Aadmi Party and BJP joined the party in the presence of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Around 40 sitting and former members of Zila Parishad and Block Samiti along with sarpanches, panches and other local leaders also became part of the party.

Among the prominent leaders who joined were Avtar Singh Kaler, Chairman of the Primary Agricultural Development Bank Pathankot and former Punjab Congress functionary and Sanjeev Sharma, who was associated with AAP in Pathankot, Bhoa and Sujanpur constituencies. Their entry is being seen as a significant political development in these border districts.

Addressing a large gathering, Sukhbir Singh Badal said that people of Punjab are looking towards a strong regional party for stability, development and communal harmony. He welcomed the new entrants and praised their grassroots connect, stating that their inclusion would further strengthen the party.

On the occasion, Avtar Singh Kaler was appointed District President for Pathankot Rural, while Sanjeev Sharma was made the constituency in charge for Sujanpur. Several other leaders from different parties also joined the Akali Dal, and the party leadership said they would be given suitable responsibilities in the organization.