Sangrur: Tensions are rising between the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) and the rebel Shiromani Akali Dal (Punarsurjit) after the government reportedly allotted the same venue in Longowal for programmes and blood donation camps marking the 41st death anniversary of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal.
The Badal-led Akali Dal, which is organising a ‘Punjab Bachao Rally’, has accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government and the Punarsurjit faction of deliberately creating obstacles for its programme.
Akali Dal spokesperson Dr Daljit Singh Cheema claimed that the party had booked space at the Longowal grain market well in advance. He said the application was submitted on April 27 and, after completing police clearance and other formalities, the party deposited ₹36,000 on August 12.
Cheema alleged that the authorities approved the Punarsurjit faction’s use of the covered area on August 15, while the Akali Dal was asked to hold its event in an open area where debris had been placed.
Rebel faction rejects allegations
Dr Arshdeep Singh Kler said a petition had been filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court over the venue dispute.
The Punarsurjit faction rejected the allegations as baseless and accused Sukhbir Badal and his supporters of deliberately attempting to take over the venue.
The faction includes former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, Gurpartap Singh Wadala and former Cabinet minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa.
Both sides are now seeking space under the shed at the grain market. The situation reportedly became tense after supporters of the two factions came face-to-face when preparations began at the area allotted to Punarsurjit.
Dhindsa said their programme had already been scheduled and that the covered area was allotted to them because they were organising a Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Prakash ceremony. He appealed to Akali Dal workers to vacate the space, saying his faction did not want any confrontation.
The event is particularly significant for the Badal-led Akali Dal as Sukhbir Singh Badal is expected to address the rally for the first time since the attack on him in Nanded.
