Waris Punjab De Rift: Suspended Committee Alleges Government Interferenceਵਾਰਸ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਰਾੜ: ਮੁਅੱਤਲ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਦਖ਼ਲ ਦੇ ਦੋਸ਼

Akali Dal Waris Punjab De (AD-WPD), the party built around jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, is in open revolt months before the 2027 Punjab election. Five members of its Principal Drafting Committee, suspended a day earlier, held a press conference in Chandigarh on Saturday and alleged government interference in the party, The Tribune reports.

What happened inside Waris Punjab De?

The party leadership first dissolved its district-level structure and removed all district presidents with immediate effect, The Tribune and The Times of India reported on October 28. The Principal Drafting Committee rejected that decision, and the leadership then suspended five of its members from primary membership for alleged anti-party activities, according to a letter from joint office secretary Jatinder Singh Mehta. The five named in the letter are Avtar Singh Sekhon, Gurdeep Singh Bhandal, Jagdeep Singh Kansala, Krishan Singh Rupana and Jaswinder Singh Droli.

What did the suspended leaders allege?

At the Chandigarh Press Club, Bhandal said most district presidents had repeatedly told Working President Bapu Tarsem Singh about alleged interference by government machinery in party affairs, outside influence on decisions, the handing out of party posts and ticket allocation. The leaders also objected to decisions allegedly being taken at the party office in Chandigarh and activities being held at Manpreet Singh Ayali's residence in Ludhiana. These are the committee's allegations; the party leadership has not been quoted answering them in the reports Jugti reviewed.

What was the six-page letter?

Babushahi reports that a six-page complaint was handed to Tarsem Singh on October 20 and discussed with the party's Panj Piarai leadership council on October 27. The committee says it sought an impartial inquiry but the leadership dissolved the district units instead. It has called the dissolution null and void and says it does not accept the suspension.

Why does it matter for 2027?

The New Indian Express notes that the fissures surfaced as the party prepares for the 2027 Assembly polls, where Outlook India says it could split Sikh votes among AAP, the Akali Dal and other Panthic formations. The dissolved units covered 23 districts, so candidate selection will depend on how the dispute is resolved.

Has Waris Punjab De dissolved its district units?

Yes. Per the party's letter, the existing district-level structure, including all district presidents, was dissolved with immediate effect, and a new structure is to be announced.

Who has been suspended?

Five Principal Drafting Committee members: Avtar Singh Sekhon, Gurdeep Singh Bhandal, Jagdeep Singh Kansala, Krishan Singh Rupana and Jaswinder Singh Droli.

Has the party responded to the interference claims?

Not in the reports reviewed. The leadership's stated reason for the suspensions is alleged anti-party activity.