A major political drama has erupted between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) over candidate Surjit Kaur. Hours after jumping ship & accepting AAP as her new political home, Surjit Kaur on Tuesday rejoined SAD. As per reports, Surjit Kaur's joining was done by Akali Dal rebel group leader Bibi Jagir Kaur and Gurpratap Singh Wadala. On Tuesday morning, Surjit Kaur suddenly joined AAP after meeting Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann at his Jalandhar residence. After which the CM welcomed her to the party at his house in Jalandhar.
For the unversed, Surjit Kaur had also filed a nomination as a candidate of Shiromani Akali Dal headed by Sukhbir Badal. Voting is to be held on July 10 on Jalandhar West seat. Aam Aadmi Party has nominated Mohinder Bhagat, son of former BJP minister Chunni Lal Bhagat
When Surjit Kaur had filed her nomination for Jalandhar West Bye Elections, there were reports of infighting in the SAD camp. There was a rebellion against party chief Sukhbir Badal. The rebellion was led by many leaders including senior leader Prem Singh Chandumajra, Bibi Jagir Kaur, and former MLA Gurpratap Wadala.
A few days ago, Sukhbir Badal called a meeting in Chandigarh. The rebel leaders reportedly did not go and held a separate meeting in Jalandhar and said that there is a need for change in SAD. After which, senior Akali leader Daljit Singh Cheema, who is on Sukhbir Singh Badal's side, issued a statement saying that the Akali Dal will not support the candidate who has been fielded in the Jalandhar bye-election. That candidate has been made by Bibi Jagir Kaur. The party leadership was not even asked about this. After this, the Akali Dal supported the BSP candidate.
However, it seems things have started to resolve in the SAD camp.