Hoshiarpur/June 5,/Daljeet Ajnoha : In a significant political development today, senior leader Sohan Singh Thandal formally rejoined the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) during a major party gathering held in Ludhiana. A few months ago, Thandal had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he was inducted by then Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
However, in today’s event organized by the Shiromani Akali Dal, Thandal marked his “ghar wapsi” (homecoming) to the party he had long been associated with. SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal warmly welcomed Thandal on stage, publicly re-inducting him into the party. Hundreds of supporters and workers were present to witness the occasion and greeted Thandal with enthusiastic cheers.
Speaking at the event, Sukhbir Badal stated, “Sohan Singh Thandal is one of our trusted old colleagues. He had gone on deputation for a few months, and now he has returned home. The doors of the Akali Dal are always open for our loyal and dedicated members.”
In his address, Sohan Singh Thandal clarified that although he was with the BJP briefly, his ideology and soul remained with the Akali Dal. He said, “Due to certain circumstances, I had to go to the BJP for a short time, but my heart and spirit always belonged to the Akali Dal. I am now fully committed to strengthening the party again.”
Political analysts view Thandal’s return as a strategic move by the SAD ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Thandal holds considerable influence in the Malwa region, and his return is expected to boost the party’s presence there.
This development signals that more political shifts may be on the horizon in Punjab. Thandal’s return has undoubtedly energized the Akali Dal camp, while it is seen as a setback for the BJP.
