Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, ex-SGPC chief Jagir Kaur reunites with Shiromani Akali Dal

Former SGPC chief Jagir Kaur rejoins Shiromani Akali Dal after expulsion for "anti-party activities." Her return follows Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa's merger with SAD. Kaur, once a Badal loyalist, aims to restore SGPC autonomy. Talks were initiated after apologies for past incidents, amidst SAD-BJP reunion buzz.

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In a significant political development, Jagir Kaur, former SGPC chief, has officially rejoined the ranks of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), marking her return to the party after a tumultuous period of expulsion due to alleged "anti-party activities." Kaur's re-entry into the SAD fold comes against the backdrop of a series of strategic maneuvers within the party, including the recent merger of Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa's faction, Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt), with the main SAD led by Sukhbir Singh Badal.

The reunion ceremony, which took place in Kapurthala, witnessed the presence of several senior leaders, including Sukhbir Singh Badal himself, along with Daljit Singh Cheema, Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, and Surjit Singh Rakhra. Jagir Kaur, who previously held the position of SGPC president on multiple occasions, was expelled from the SAD in November 2022, following a period of internal discord.

Kaur, who had been regarded as a staunch supporter of the Badal family, had consistently advocated for the restoration of autonomy to the SGPC, emphasizing its significance within the Sikh community. Despite her expulsion, Kaur maintained her allegiance to the SAD, attributing her departure solely to the party's decision.

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The recent developments signal a broader realignment within the political landscape of Punjab, particularly as the SAD seeks to consolidate its position ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The initiative for reconciliation gained momentum following Sukhbir Badal's public acknowledgment and apology for past incidents of sacrilege that occurred during the Akali regime in 2015.

Furthermore, the merger with Dhindsa's faction underscores the party's efforts to bridge internal divides and present a unified front. These maneuvers occur amidst speculation surrounding a potential reunion between the SAD and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), following the Akali Dal's withdrawal from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2020, amidst the controversy surrounding the now-repealed farm laws.