Senior SAD leader Hardeep Singh ‘Dimpy’ Dhillon, a day after his dramatic departure from his long-time political home, on Monday, stirred the political waters by announcing his intention to join the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — but with a bold caveat.
Dhillon, addressing a gathering of his supporters in Gidderbaha, declared that his entry into AAP hinges on the fulfillment of certain conditions by the Punjab Chief Minister. “I will first speak to the CM, and then he will be called here. If he or his representative agrees to our demands for development works in this constituency, in front of you, then only I will join the AAP,” Dhillon asserted, setting the stage for a potentially pivotal moment in Punjab politics.
Just a day before, Dhillon bade farewell to SAD, a party he had been closely associated with for nearly four decades. Dhillon, addressing his supporters, emphasized that his final decision to join AAP hinges on specific development demands for his constituency being met.
Dhillon’s departure has sent shockwaves through SAD, particularly its leadership. On the same day, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal made a public appeal, urging Dhillon to reconsider his decision. “Dimpy was undoubtedly our party candidate for the Gidderbaha bypoll. I will wait for 10 days for Dimpy and then only take a fresh decision,” Sukhbir assured while addressing SAD workers gathered at his Badal village residence in Lambi. Despite Dhillon’s declaration, Sukhbir remained hopeful, emphasizing the party's readiness to welcome Dhillon back, should he decide to return.
“False, fabricated and baseless rumours had been spread that BJP leader Manpreet Singh Badal would be fielded by the SAD from Gidderbaha in the forthcoming by-elections,” said Sukhbir, while making it clear that the party meant everything to him and “my commitment to the SAD and its ideals and principles is more than with my family. I want to make it clear that there was no doubt in my mind that Hardeep Dhillon was the party’s candidate from Gidderbaha in the forthcoming bye-elections”.
At the same time, Sukhbir went on to add that even if Dhillon had decided to turn his back on SAD as well its cadre due to some personal interest, then also SAD would take a decision on its candidate from Gidderbaha after 10 days. “We will wait for the estranged leader to give his final answer,” he said while making it clear that any decision on the party’s candidate would be taken after detailed consultations with the party cadre of the constituency.
Earlier in the day, Dhillon held a meeting with his supporters, during which he outlined his conditions for joining AAP. He revealed that his discussions with AAP leaders had reached an advanced stage, and he, along with his family members, would officially join AAP on August 28 in the presence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. However, Dhillon made it clear that his allegiance to AAP would depend on the party’s commitment to addressing the developmental needs of his constituency.
Dhillon’s departure from SAD is being attributed to a long-standing conflict with another prominent leader, Manpreet Singh Badal. Dhillon, who served as the constituency in-charge for Gidderbaha, blamed Manpreet Badal for his decision to leave SAD. He expressed frustration over Manpreet’s increasing influence in the region and SAD’s reluctance to take a clear stance on their political relationship. “I have always trusted Sukhbir Badal blindly, but the unresolved issues with Manpreet were too much to bear,” Dhillon confided to his supporters.
The Gidderbaha seat, historically a stronghold for SAD, has seen a series of political ups and downs. Since its inception in 1967, the seat was held multiple times by former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and later by Manpreet Singh Badal. However, in recent years, Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has dominated the constituency, defeating Dhillon in both the 2017 and 2022 elections. Despite the losses, Dhillon remains a formidable figure in the region, coming within a narrow margin of 1,349 votes in the 2022 elections against Warring.
Impending Gidderbaha By-Election
With the Gidderbaha seat now vacant following Raja Warring’s resignation, the by-election is expected to be a fiercely contested battle. Dhillon’s potential shift to AAP could significantly alter the political landscape in the constituency. On the other hand, Warring’s wife Amrita Warring is the frontrunner for Congress ticket. As the bypoll approaches, all eyes are on whether Dhillon’s demands will be met and how this will impact the broader political dynamics in Punjab. Meanwhile, SAD continues to grapple with the implications of Dhillon’s departure, as party workers and leaders alike await the final outcome of his negotiations with AAP.
