DW BUREAU / Patiala

In a major boost to the Shiromani Akali Dal's campaign in this parliamentary constituency, BJP District Rural President and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Jathedar Surjit Singh Garhi today rejoined the SAD along with his hundreds of supporters in presence of party President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.

SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal welcomed Jathedar Garhi into the SAD at the latter's residence in Fatehpur Garhi village in the district. He said that Jathedar Surjit Singh Garhi is his close friend who had joined as BJP District Rural President in pastime but was always worried for his mother party Akali Dal. He said that with return to party fold by Garhi, he was personally feeling very relaxed as his homecoming will be a big boost for the party not only in Patiala Parliamentary constituency but in the whole Punjab as his Rajput community had always stood with Akali Dal throughout Punjab.

He further said the Jathedar Garhi had a long history of contribution to the SGPC, the Sikh community and civil society. "He is like my brother and I have worked closely with him in the past. On the occasion many Akali leaders also told Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal how since last 55 years they had worked with former Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal for betterment of Punjab.

He also said that as National Parties have blocked borders of the state for farmers, now Punjabis should block entry of National parties in the state by voting against them on June 1, 2024. He said that it only their own regional party Shiromani Akali Dal who had worked for them in the party and will continue to work for them in future too.

Speaking on the occasion, Jathedar Garhi said he was convinced no other party had done so much for Punjab as the SAD. "National parties have always worked against the interests of Punjab. I appeal to Punjabis to extend wholehearted support to the SAD to resolve all pending issues of the State".
(editor@dailyworld.in)