25 Aug 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Punjab’s political landscape is witnessing fresh movement as Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) expands its organisational base ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The party has already attracted several prominent political figures, while more high-profile faces are expected to join its ranks.
Manpreet Ayali Gives WPD a Major Boost
One of the biggest developments has been the entry of Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, who formally joined Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) in June.
Ayali, a three-time MLA, was one of the senior Akali leaders to distance himself from the reorganised Akali faction before joining the Amritpal Singh-led outfit. His entry gave WPD its first sitting MLA and a leader with significant electoral experience.
More Leaders Expected to Follow
Ayali had indicated that other leaders were considering joining WPD and that more high-profile announcements could follow.
Among the names discussed in connection with the outfit has been Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, the Amritsar North MLA and former IPS officer. However, his reported interest should not be treated as a confirmed joining unless an official announcement is made.
Former MLA Dalbir Singh Verka Also Joins
The party’s expansion has continued beyond Ayali.
Former MLA Dalbir Singh Verka joined Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) in August, adding another experienced political figure to the organisation. Other former Akali leaders have also moved towards the outfit in recent months.
Party Builds Its Political Network
WPD was launched in January 2025 by leaders including Amritpal Singh’s father Tarsem Singh and Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa.
The party has sought to occupy political space around issues including Punjab’s interests, drug abuse, unemployment, Sikh detainees and strengthening Sikh institutions.
2027 Punjab Elections in Focus
The growing number of political entrants comes as parties begin preparing for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
WPD’s challenge will be to convert its growing visibility and Panthic appeal into a strong electoral organisation at the constituency level.
Ayali’s entry was particularly significant because he brought experience of winning Assembly elections and knowledge of ground-level political mobilisation.
A New Challenge for Traditional Akali Politics
The expansion of WPD could add another layer to the competition for the traditional Akali and Panthic vote in Punjab.
The Shiromani Akali Dal has faced internal divisions and organisational challenges, while several breakaway leaders have been exploring different political platforms.
WPD’s recruitment drive could therefore intensify competition within the broader Akali political space.
What the New Joinings Could Mean
If more prominent leaders join the party, WPD could enter the 2027 electoral contest with a wider organisational network and candidates with established political profiles.
However, converting individual high-profile joinings into electoral gains will depend on the party’s booth-level organisation, candidate selection and ability to build a broader voter coalition.
A Major Political Churn Underway
The latest developments suggest that Punjab’s political realignment is still underway.
With WPD attracting former and sitting political figures, the coming months could bring further changes as leaders assess their prospects ahead of the next Assembly election.