Sangrur, Punjab — In a significant political development in Punjab, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Punjab BJP Vice President Arvind Khanna has resigned from the party and formally joined the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
Khanna, a two-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), joined the Akali Dal in the presence of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal during a political event held in Sangrur district. The move comes at a time when alliance talks are ongoing in Punjab’s political landscape, making the development particularly noteworthy.
Following his induction, Khanna was appointed as the in-charge of the Sangrur Assembly constituency, signaling the party’s confidence in his leadership and grassroots influence. Addressing the gathering, Badal said he had shared a personal and political bond with Khanna for nearly four decades and expressed happiness over his return to regional politics.
“Arvind Khanna has served the people of Sangrur for more than two decades. His work through the Umeed Foundation and his strong connect with the masses will further strengthen the Shiromani Akali Dal in the district,” Badal said.
Several leaders and workers from the BJP and Congress also joined the Akali Dal along with Khanna, including local organizational figures. Badal assured all new entrants of respect and responsibilities within the party.
Speaking on the occasion, Khanna thanked his supporters and workers for standing by him. “Hundreds of BJP workers have joined the Shiromani Akali Dal with me. If Punjab is to be protected, we must work hard for a strong regional party,” he said.
Arvind Khanna is a well-known industrialist and social worker in the region. He first entered the Punjab Assembly in 2002 after winning on a Congress ticket from Sangrur. He later contested the 2004 Lok Sabha elections but lost to Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa. In 2012, he won the Dhuri Assembly seat, establishing himself as a prominent political figure.
Khanna was previously considered close to former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. After stepping away from active politics for a brief period, his return through the Shiromani Akali Dal is being seen as a major boost for the party in the Malwa region.
Political analysts believe Khanna’s switch could have a significant impact on Sangrur district’s electoral equations ahead of upcoming elections.