The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab received a significant boost on Wednesday with the recent defection of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA Dr Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi — a practicing medico. Serving as the MLA for Banga Assembly constituency and holding the position of Deputy Leader of the SAD Legislative Party, Dr Sukhi officially joined AAP in Chandigarh on Wednesday in the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP’s national general secretary Dr Sandeep Pathak.
Dr Sukhi’s departure is a notable setback for the SAD — a party already grappling with internal strife and diminishing political influence. With his exit, SAD’s representation in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha has been reduced to just two MLAs — Ganieve Kaur Majithia from Majitha and Manpreet Singh Ayali from Dakha. The loss is particularly significant given that SAD is already struggling with factionalism and declining influence.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann warmly welcomed Dr Sukhi into the AAP fold, praising his dedication and alignment with the principles of Dr BR Ambedkar. Mann noted, “Dr Sukhi has been a staunch advocate for the marginalized and has always raised pertinent issues in the Assembly. His straightforward approach has earned him respect from all quarters.” He added that Dr Sukhi’s experience and commitment would be valuable assets for AAP.
Dr Sukhi, a practicing physician known for his philanthropic work, expressed his appreciation for his previous party but highlighted his admiration for AAP’s leadership. “Joining AAP is an honour, especially given its alignment with the ideals of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Dr BR Ambedkar. My constituency deserves the best, and I believe AAP is committed to delivering that,” said Dr Sukhi.
He also recounted his positive interactions with Chief Minister Mann, citing a recent instance where Mann took swift action on a corruption issue involving a Tehsildar. This, according to Dr Sukhi, reinforced his confidence in AAP’s commitment to good governance and transparency.
Dr Sukhi’s anticipated resignation from his MLA position will lead to a by-election in the Banga constituency, adding to the already scheduled by-elections due to the election of four other MLAs to the Parliament. The constituencies of Chabbewal, Dera Baba Nanak, Gidderbaha, and Barnala will also face by-polls, marking a critical period for both AAP and SAD.
Political analysts view Dr Sukhi's defection as a strategic gain for AAP, which now boasts 92 MLAs in the 117-member Punjab Assembly. The addition of a prominent figure like Dr Sukhi is expected to strengthen AAP’s foothold, especially in the Doaba region.
SAD ‘Stunned’ by its MLA’s Defection
SAD has been left reeling from the unexpected move of Banga MLA Dr Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi. The defection has caught the party off guard, with SAD leaders expressing shock and disappointment over Dr Sukhi’s decision. Dr Sukhi’s departure marked a significant blow to the SAD, a party already facing internal turmoil and declining influence. Sources within the SAD revealed that Dr Sukhi had not previously communicated any grievances or issues with the party leadership, making his sudden move all the more surprising.
Former Minister and SAD spokesperson Daljeet Singh Cheema expressed his dismay, stating, “Dr Sukhi had been made a core-committee member and was given proper respect within the party. His departure has come as a shock to us.” Dakha MLA Manpreet Ayali, who is the leader of SAD legislative party, described Dr Sukhi’s exit as a substantial setback for the Akali Dal. “This move is shocking and comes at a time when the party is already struggling. It is crucial for the party leadership to heed the concerns and demands of the workers,” Ayali remarked. He emphasized the need for the party to strengthen its base and address the issues raised by its members to regain its footing.
