Harvinder Singh Phoolka, a 69-year-old human rights lawyer and former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Dakha, announced on Saturday that he will be joining the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
Phoolka, a Jat Sikh from Punjab’s Malwa region, has spent over 40 years fighting for justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, he emphasised the need to strengthen Punjab's leading regional party, the SAD, saying that it is essential to address the state's unique challenges.
He also expressed hope for the future of the Akali Dal, praising recent leadership reforms that aim to rebuild trust and expand the party's membership.
Phoolka also criticised the AAP government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, for failing to provide adequate security to former SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Badal had a narrow escape when Narain Singh Chaura, a former Khalistani terrorist, fired at him while he was performing penance (sewa) at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on December 4.
Phoolka called for a renewed focus on strengthening the SAD, adding that he would be one of the first to register for a membership drive, which he urged the party to launch.
A law graduate from Panjab University, Chandigarh, Phoolka has long been known for his work fighting for the rights of the Sikh community. He has the credentials to be a potential leader of the SAD.
However, Phoolka clarified that he is not seeking any leadership position or planning to contest elections. His main goal is to help restore the SAD to its former strength.
Phoolka’s decision comes shortly after the Akal Takht, the highest Sikh authority, asked the SAD working committee to accept Sukhbir Singh Badal’s resignation as party chief and reorganise the party within six months.
Sukhbir was declared a ‘tankhaiya’ (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Akal Takht in August, due to actions taken by the SAD during its time in power from 2007 to 2017, including pardoning Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim, which led to violent clashes in Punjab.
Also Read: Badal continues penance; performs 'sewa' at Fatehgarh Sahib
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