Eight Expelled Akali Dal Leaders: From Former Ministers and SGPC Chiefs to Party Veterans and Ex-Sukhbir Aides

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by Sukhbir Badal, has expelled eight senior members from its primary membership for engaging in “anti-party activities” and allegedly conspiring against the leadership. This move follows the party’s poor performance in recent Lok Sabha elections and the subsequent dissent within the ranks.

The expelled leaders include:

• Gurpartap Singh Wadala: A two-time MLA from Nakodar, Wadala is also the convener of the SAD reform movement, “Shiromani Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar,” which aims to address party faults and promote reforms.
• Bibi Jagir Kaur: Former president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and a prominent woman leader in the party. She was first expelled in 2022 after running for SGPC president against the party’s wishes.
• Prem Singh Chandumajra: A three-time MP and former minister, Chandumajra was a founding member of the Akali Dal’s youth wing and has previously shifted between various Akali factions before his expulsion.
• Parminder Singh Dhindsa: The son of veteran Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Parminder has been expelled twice, first in 2020 and again in 2024, after forming a splinter group and facing disagreements with party leadership.
• Sikander Singh Maluka: A 75-year-old veteran and former education minister, Maluka’s expulsion follows his public criticism of the Centre’s farm laws and his daughter-in-law’s switch to the BJP.
• Surjit Singh Rakhra: A former water supply and sanitation minister, Rakhra was defeated in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and has faced internal party challenges.
• Surinder Singh Thekedar: The former senior vice-president of SAD, Thekedar ran unsuccessfully for the Assembly in 2022.
• Charanjit Singh Brar: A former political advisor to Sukhbir Badal, Brar lost in the 2022 Assembly elections and was vocal against Sukhbir after the party’s recent losses.

The expulsion of these leaders follows a series of party setbacks and internal conflicts, highlighting the challenges faced by the SAD as it navigates its internal divisions and electoral strategy.