Punjab: Former MLA and human rights advocate Harvinder Singh Phoolka from Punjab has announced that he will join the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Phoolka’s announcement comes just days after the Akal Takht accepted the resignation of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and formed a committee to reorganize the SAD within six months.
Phoolka, a Supreme Court lawyer representing the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2018 due to the then-Congress government’s alleged failure to take action against those involved in the 2015 sacrilege incidents. Speaking to the media, he stated that he would become a member of the SAD once the membership drive begins.
Referencing the Akal Takht’s directive regarding the SAD, Phoolka (69) expressed, “A new hope has emerged.” He noted that the Akal Takht has called for a membership drive, the election of new representatives, and the reorganization of the party. Phoolka characterized the Akali Dal as Punjab’s “regional party” and confirmed his decision to fill out a membership form once the campaign starts.
The Akal Takht has formed a six-member committee that includes Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee President Harjinder Singh Dhami and party leader Iqbal Singh Jhunda, among others.