Raminder Awla Joins SAD Ahead of 2027 Punjab Elections
Former Congress MLA Raminder Awla has officially joined the Shiromani Akali Dal, signaling a strategic shift in Punjab politics.
Raminder Awla represented Jalalabad from 2019 to 2022.
His switch to SAD is seen as a boost for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Awla previously defeated SAD's Raj Singh Dibbipura in a bypoll.
In a significant political shift, Raminder Singh Awla, the former Congress MLA from Jalalabad, has joined the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The announcement was made on Sunday at the residence of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal in Chandigarh, where Awla's transition into the party was warmly welcomed.
Awla, who served in the Punjab Assembly from 2019 to 2022, gained prominence by defeating SAD candidate Raj Singh Dibbipura in the October 2019 bypoll, a contest that marked a notable victory against the SAD's stronghold. His constituency, Jalalabad, has been pivotal for SAD, with Badal expressing confidence that Awla's inclusion will enhance the party's prospects in the region.
Sukhbir Singh Badal, in a post on social media platform 'X', highlighted Awla's experience and potential contributions to the SAD, emphasizing the constituency's historical development under Akali leadership. Sources indicate that Pawanpreet Singh Bobby Badal, Sukhbir's cousin, played a crucial role in facilitating Awla's move to SAD, as both families share business ties.
Awla's political journey has not been without controversy. He previously faced allegations of involvement in a violent incident during the 2021 municipal elections, which were later dismissed by police due to lack of evidence. Despite these challenges, Awla has remained an influential figure in the region, actively participating in local politics and leading the Congress campaign in the recent Guruharsahai municipal elections, where the party achieved significant success.
The implications of Awla's switch to SAD are expected to resonate across Ferozepur and Fazilka districts, where he maintains a strong presence. His alignment with SAD could potentially reshape the political landscape as the party gears up for the upcoming elections, aiming to consolidate its influence in the border regions of Punjab.
