Chandigarh: Former MP Professor Prem Singh Chandumajra’s resignation from the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) has dealt another major setback to the rebel faction, which has been struggling to retain its prominent leaders.
Five senior leaders had already left the faction, including Surjit Singh Rakhra, Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, former minister Tota Singh’s son Barjinder Singh Brar, Charanjit Singh Brar and former Dhuri MLA Iqbal Singh Jhundan. They quit in July.
Rakhra subsequently joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), while Barjinder Singh Brar recently returned to the SAD. Charanjit Singh Brar joined the BJP. Ayali and Jhundan are currently leading the Akali Dal ‘Waris Punjab De’ (AD-WPD) in the absence of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh.
Formed on August 11, 2025, after its leaders split from the Sukhbir Singh Badal-led SAD, the Punar Surjit faction has projected itself as a reformist Panthic force.
Chandumajra, Ayali, Rakhra and Jhundan were among the leaders who spearheaded a campaign demanding Sukhbir Badal’s resignation and fresh elections for the party president. Along with Gurpartap Singh Wadala and others, they helped establish the rebel faction.
Chandumajra had hinted at his departure on Tuesday when he called for Panthic unity and urged all Panthic leaders to contest elections under a single symbol.
Reacting to his resignation, senior Punar Surjit leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala described the development as unfortunate.
Wadala said Chandumajra appeared to have taken the decision in haste and under pressure following the defection of his political rival, MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, from the AAP to the BJP.
Pathanmajra, who contested the 2022 assembly elections on an AAP ticket, defeated SAD candidate Harinder Pal Singh Chandumajra, son of Prem Singh Chandumajra, from the Sanour constituency by a margin of 49,112 votes.
