Anil Joshi Resigns from Shiromani Akali Dal, Criticizes Party’s Shift Toward Sectarian Politics

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Former Punjab Minister Anil Joshi resigned from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Wednesday, expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s shift towards sectarian politics. In his resignation letter addressed to SAD's working president, Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Joshi criticized the party’s focus on religious and sectarian issues, which he said was a departure from the secular vision he had embraced when joining in 2021.

Joshi, who joined SAD after leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stated that he felt like a “misfit” within the party due to its current direction. He expressed concern that the party was no longer aligned with the inclusive vision of its founding leaders, particularly Parkash Singh Badal. In his letter, Joshi further mentioned that the deteriorating condition of the party after Parkash Singh Badal's resignation had led to Sukhbir Singh Badal being compelled to resign as well., Joshi concluded his letter by resigning from all positions and primary membership of SAD, stating that it was no longer possible for him to serve the people of Punjab while staying in the party.

Joshi had served as Minister for Local Bodies, Medical Education & Research in the previous SAD-BJP Punjab Government and was elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly from Amritsar North in 2007 and re-elected in 2012. Following his resignation, there is considerable speculation regarding whether he will join the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, or return to the BJP. Additionally, there is uncertainty about whether he will contest from Amritsar North or Tarn Taran.

It is worth mentioning that Joshi had established a distinct identity within the BJP. He did several things that are still remembered today. However, after raising his voice against the farm laws and Punjab, he was expelled from the BJP for six years. At that time, he had joined the party after being influenced by the late Parkash Singh Badal. After some recent turmoil within the party, after much contemplation, he has decided to resign from the party. His decision has created quite a stir within the party.