CHANDIGARH: Dr Sukhi’s shift to AAP leaves SAD without representation in Doaba.
Dr Sukhwinder Singh Sukhi’s decision to join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has placed the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in a precarious position. As a two-time MLA from Banga, Sukhi’s defection not only leaves the party without representation in the Doaba region but also signals an impending resignation under the anti-defection law, which could lead to a fifth by-election in Punjab. This move will result in his seat becoming vacant, thereby increasing the number of upcoming by-elections in Punjab from four to five. Dr Sukhi’s departure is a significant setback for SAD, which now finds itself without any representation in the Doaba region. Moreover, this resignation may embolden other dissenting voices within the party, providing them with another chance to challenge the leadership.
In his remarks, Dr Sukhi emphasised that while SAD had accorded him due respect, his decision was driven by a commitment to the development of his constituency. He is currently seeking legal counsel regarding the specifics of his resignation. Reflecting on his tenure, he noted that under the previous Congress government, little progress was made in his constituency. In contrast, under the AAP government, the issues he raised in the Assembly have been prioritised and addressed. Four Assembly seats in Punjab were set for by-elections due to their MLAs’ recent victories in the Lok Sabha elections. The constituencies in question are Barnala, Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, and Chabbewal. The MLAs who have resigned include Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, now an MP from Sangrur; Amrinder Singh Raja Warring from Ludhiana; Raj Kumar Chabbewal from Hoshiarpur; and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa from Gurdaspur.
Elections for these five seats in Punjab are anticipated shortly. While the Election Commission is yet to issue an official schedule, it is widely expected that the by-elections could coincide with the Haryana state elections, likely to be announced in September or October.
Recently, a team from the Election Commission visited Haryana to assess the situation. Notably, a by-election for the Jalandhar West seat in Punjab was previously held alongside the Himachal Pradesh by-elections, where AAP secured a victory. As of now, Dr Sukhi has not formally submitted his resignation to the Assembly. He mentioned in media interactions that he is consulting legal experts to ensure all technicalities are addressed. Meanwhile, SAD has yet to formally inform the Assembly of his departure, meaning Dr Sukhi remains an MLA with the party on record until his resignation is officially tendered. Dr Sukhi’s departure leaves SAD without any MLA in the Doaba region, where he was the sole representative. In the Majha region, the party’s only remaining MLA is Ganieve Kaur, wife of senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, representing Majitha. In the Malwa region, which encompasses 69 seats, SAD’s lone MLA is Manpreet Singh Ayali, who has also been maintaining a noticeable distance from the party. Political analyst Kuldeep Singh suggests that SAD is navigating an exceptionally fragile period.
Back in 2012, SAD held a commanding 68 seats, but a series of controversies, including the sacrilege incidents and issues with dera heads, significantly eroded its standing. By 2017, the party’s influence had dwindled to just 18 seats, and it continued to lose ground, holding only three seats in the 2022 elections. AAP has effectively captured a significant portion of its voter base.