Rebel leader Wadala appointed observer to oversee SAD's ongoing membership drive

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday announced that it had included rebel leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala in the committee to oversee the party's membership drive, which began on January 20, as an observer of Faridkot district.

- Gurpreet Singh Nibber

CHANDIGARH: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday announced that it had included rebel leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala in the committee to oversee the party's membership drive, which began on January 20, as an observer of Faridkot district.

SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema made it public in a message posted on micro-blogging site X, as a decision of the party's parliamentary committee.

According to Cheema, the decision was taken at a meeting of the party's parliamentary board held two days ago and was made public on Thursday. Other members who have been appointed as observers include Jarnail Singh Wahid and Varinder Singh Bajwa for Nawanshahr, Raj Singh Dibbipura (Ferozepur) and Preet Inder Singh (Fazilka). SAD has set a target of enrolling 50 lakh members, Cheema said.

Rebel leader terms move a 'farce'

Wadala has, however, rejected the move as a "farce," saying there is a big difference in holding a membership drive under the supervision of the Akal Takht-constituted committee and the one formed by the working committee of the SAD.

"The SAD has diluted the directive of the highest temporal seat by setting up a committee," he said, adding: "Adhering to a committee constituted by the Akal Takht would have acted as a catalyst for the Akali unity."