Punjabi Singer KS Makhan Joins Shiromani Akali Dal Ahead of 2027 Punjab Polls

February 22, 2026

Chandigarh: Punjabi singer and former kabaddi player KS Makhan, born in Nakodar, Jalandhar, has joined the Shiromani Akali Dal ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

Party president Sukhbir Singh Badal welcomed Makhan by presenting him with a siropa (ceremonial robe) at his native village Shankar.

With an eye on the 2027 elections, the Akali Dal has inducted its second prominent kabaddi player within a week. Earlier, kabaddi player Gopi Farandipuriya also joined the party. In the 2022 Assembly elections, the Akali Dal had lost both the Nakodar and Khemkaran seats.

Makhan’s Second Innings in Active Politics

This marks KS Makhan’s second active political stint. He was previously associated with the Bahujan Samaj Party and contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, securing 69,124 votes and finishing fourth.

After his defeat, he left the BSP in 2016 and joined the Shiromani Akali Dal but did not actively participate in politics. Now, from his ancestral village in Nakodar, Makhan has announced his return to active political life.

Sukhbir Singh Badal said Makhan’s return would strengthen the party, particularly among the youth, and assured due respect for hardworking party workers. Makhan expressed happiness at returning to what he described as his “political home” and pledged to strengthen the party in the region.

Close Fight in Nakodar in 2022

Former MLA Gurpratap Singh Wadala had represented Nakodar twice. However, in the 2022 Assembly elections, he lost to Inderjit Kaur Mann of the Aam Aadmi Party.

Inderjit Kaur Mann secured 42,868 votes, while Wadala received 39,999 votes in a closely contested race. The Akali Dal is now keen to regain the seat in 2027.

From Kabaddi Star to Political Arena

Before entering politics, KS Makhan made his mark as a strong “jafi” (defender) in kabaddi. Known for his imposing physique and powerful grip, he played in village tournaments across Punjab as well as for clubs in Canada and England during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Now, the singer-wrestler is set to begin a new chapter in Punjab politics as the 2027 Assembly elections approach.