Chandigarh: Amid speculation of a possible rapprochement between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its breakaway faction, a viral video clip has triggered fresh political chatter.
The clip shows senior SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia exchanging pleasantries with Prem Singh Chandumajra and Surjit Singh Rakhra — both associated with a separate faction — in the lobby of a building in Chandigarh.
The leaders had reportedly gathered at a local court in connection with a five-year-old case related to a protest near the then Punjab Chief Minister’s residence, dating back to when they were still part of the same party.
In the video, Chandumajra is seen initiating conversation with Majithia, who was on a phone call, addressing him as “Majhe de Jarnail Sahib.” Majithia responded warmly, immediately disconnecting his call and greeting him. The two later moved aside for a brief discussion, with Rakhra joining them shortly after.
Chandumajra and Rakhra had earlier aligned with the ‘Akali Dal Punar Surjeet’ group under the leadership of former Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, distancing themselves from the Badal-led SAD.
After securing bail in a disproportionate assets case, Majithia had stated that his priority would be to strengthen the Akali cadre and that he would go to great lengths to bring dissident Akalis back into the fold.
Speaking to the media, Chandumajra clarified that the meeting was coincidental and not a formal political discussion. “We happened to be present at the same time for a court appearance. There was no structured meeting,” he said. However, he added that he supported unity within the Akali ranks “without conditions” to strengthen the party and address Punjab’s issues.
He also referred to the December 2, 2024 directives of Akal Takht, which called for resolving differences and consolidating the Akali cadre. “Unity is a positive step, but so far there has been no formal invitation from the other side,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Karnail Singh Peer Mohammad (Panjoli), another dissident leader who had been associated with the Punar Surjeet group, announced his resignation on social media, citing ideological differences with the current leadership. A former general secretary of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Panjoli had previously opposed the Badal leadership and was part of efforts to revive the party through a membership drive.
The developments have reignited debate over whether the fragmented Akali factions may eventually come together ahead of future political battles in Punjab.
