In a significant political development, two-time Banga MLA Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday, marking a major setback for the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The announcement was made in the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who welcomed Sukhi into AAP, highlighting his dedication to the welfare of the downtrodden.
Senior AAP leader and national general secretary, Sandeep Pathak, was also present during the induction ceremony.
Sukhi, a doctor by profession, first won the Banga Assembly seat in 2017 and was re-elected in 2022 on a SAD ticket. Until recently, he served as the leader of the SAD Legislative Party in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
Sukhi’s departure leaves the SAD with only one MLA from the Sukhbir Badal faction, Ganeive Kaur Majithia, as Dakha MLA Manpreet Ayali is aligned with the rebel group within the Akali ranks.
SAD sources expressed surprise at Sukhi’s defection, noting that he had not previously expressed any dissatisfaction with the party leadership. SAD spokesperson Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema emphasized that Sukhi had been given respect within the party, even being appointed to the core committee.
Manpreet Ayali, now the leader of the SAD legislative party, described Sukhi’s move as a severe blow to the Akali Dal, urging the party leadership to heed the concerns of its workers during these challenging times.