India, March 20 -- Former IAS officer Kanwaljeet Singh Cheema joined the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in the presence of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday.

Cheema, a 1993-batch West Bengal-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, served as the special principal secretary to former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal on inter-cadre deputation for a considerable period. After inducting him into the party, Badal said Cheema's joining will further strengthen the SAD.

Addressing the media, Badal said Cheema possesses long administrative experience in both Punjab and West Bengal, and his vast knowledge and field experience would be an asset for the party. He said Cheema, who has roots in Moonak in Sangrur, had an il...