The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjeet) launched its vision document for the 2027 Punjab assembly elections in Chandigarh on Thursday, outlining a strategy focused on economic prosperity and social reform.
Released by party president Giani Harpreet Singh, a former Akal Takht jathedar, alongside senior leaders Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Surjit Singh Rakhra, and Bibi Jagir Kaur, the document details a comprehensive roadmap covering healthcare, education, agriculture, and employee welfare. In a move to modernise the party’s demographic appeal, the leadership announced it aims to allocate 40% of tickets to youth and 35% to women to ensure inclusive political participation.
The party raised concerns over India’s federal structure, alleging that successive constitutional amendments have over-centralised power within the Union government. The vision document commits the party to advocating for greater state autonomy if voted to power.
On social issues, Giani Harpreet Singh expressed firm opposition to an upcoming web series on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, arguing against any media that promotes drug abuse or violence.
Regarding the arrest of Waris Punjab De leader Amritpal Singh in the 2023 Ajnala police station siege case, the party leader alleged that the state government is avoiding his return to Punjab for political reasons.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjeet) was floated on August 11, 2025, following a split from the Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal. The faction was set up by a group of rebel leaders, initially known as the SAD Sudhar Lehar (reform movement), who sought to “resurrect” the party’s traditional Panthic values. Giani Harpreet Singh was appointed president to provide religious and moral legitimacy to the breakaway group, which aimed to challenge the Badal family’s decades-long grip on the SAD after the party’s electoral decline and perceived abandonment of Sikh principles.
This reached a breaking point after the Akal Takht declared Sukhbir Singh Badal tankhaiya (religiously guilty) for past misconduct, leading the rebels to argue that a new, reformed entity was necessary to provide a credible alternative for Sikh voters. By aligning with other splinter groups, such as Waris Punjab De, and emphasising regional autonomy, the SAD (Punar Surjeet) describes itself as the authentic representative of the Panth ahead of the 2027 polls.
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