Patiala, June 15 -- A nearly hour-long meeting between Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal and rebel Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Sanaur, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, on Sunday set off fresh speculation of the latter returning to SAD.

Badal was visiting the MLA's residence at his native Pathanmajra village in Patiala district to attend the bhog ceremony of an Akhand Path at his home.

The meeting assumes significance as Pathanmajra has been at odds with his own party since last year when he openly rebelled against the ruling AAP government, alleging poor management of rainwater, which led to widespread flooding in his constituency and the state.

Given his prolonged estrangement from the AAP leadership and his long-st...