Former Punjab minister Surjit Singh Rakhra joined the Aam Aadmi Party in Patiala on Saturday. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was also present on the occasion. Rakhra was one of the prominent leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for many years.
During the previous Akali governments, he held important portfolios such as revenue and rehabilitation. He was also considered close to former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal.
Rakhra distanced himself from the Akali Dal following political differences, especially with party president Sukhbir Singh Badal, and later joined Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit). He was subsequently expelled by the Giani Harpreet Singh-led faction for alleged “anti-party” activities.
Rakhra has served as a two-time MLA from the Samana Assembly constituency in Patiala. The seat is currently represented by AAP legislator Chetan Singh Jouramajra. He is the younger brother of US-based businessman Darshan Singh Dhaliwal.
Earlier this week, Rakhra also appreciated Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for bringing in an anti-sacrilege law.
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