Chandigarh, July 22 -- The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) suffered a setback on Tuesday after senior leader Iqbal Singh Jhundan, along with 15 others, announced unconditional support to Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), triggering a split in the party. Within hours, the party expelled Jhundan from its primary membership for six years, accusing him of anti-party activities.

The development comes close on the heels of Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali's decision to align with Waris Punjab De and former Punjab minister Surjit Singh Rakhra's exit from the party to join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Jhundan said the decision was aimed solely at strengthening Panthic unity. Tarsem Singh, father ...