Ahead of the June 1 Lok Sabha polls in Punjab, prominent Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member and vice-president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Manjit Singh, has tendered his resignation from the primary membership of the party.
In a significant move, Singh cited his efforts to revitalize the party and advocate for leadership change as reasons for his decision. Despite his endeavors, he expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s direction, prompting his departure.
Furthermore, Singh declared his support for NSA detainee Amritpal Singh, contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the Khadoor Sahib segment as an Independent candidate. This move is notable as the SAD has fielded former MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha from the same ‘Panthic’ seat.
A respected Sikh leader, Manjit Singh, hailing from a lineage deeply rooted in Sikhism, is the son of Damdami Taksal’s 13th chief, Kartar Singh Bhindranwale. He has a storied history, having served as president of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF) during the militancy era and enduring imprisonment in Jodhpur jail following Operation Bluestar.
Even after parting ways with the SAD, Singh affirmed his commitment to remain a member of the SGPC. Additionally, he pledged support to other ‘Panthic’ candidates contesting in the elections.
Adding to the intrigue, Singh’s son, Kanwar Charat Singh, has already initiated a campaign in support of Amritpal Singh’s candidacy in the Khadoor Sahib constituency.
