Chandigarh, October 25: Former Congress legislator Raminder Singh Awla, who previously represented the Jalalabad Assembly constituency in Punjab, formally joined the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Sunday. Awla was inducted into the party in Chandigarh in the presence of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, marking a notable political development as parties begin preparations for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Awla's decision to leave Congress comes at a time when political parties across Punjab are working to strengthen their organisations and reconnect with voters ahead of the next Assembly elections. Having represented Jalalabad in the past, Awla brings electoral experience and political connections in the region. His move to the Shiromani Akali Dal has attracted attention because of the constituency's longstanding association with Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Welcoming Awla into the party, Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed confidence that the former MLA would contribute to strengthening the Akali Dal's presence in Jalalabad and the adjoining border areas. Badal recalled his own political association with the constituency, where he had served as a legislator on three occasions. He also highlighted development initiatives undertaken during previous Akali governments and expressed optimism about the party's organisational preparations for the coming elections.
Awla's political journey includes an important victory in the October 2019 Jalalabad Assembly by-election, when he contested on a Congress ticket and defeated Shiromani Akali Dal candidate Raj Singh Dibbipura. The result came after Sukhbir Singh Badal vacated the Assembly seat following his election to the Lok Sabha from Ferozepur. Awla subsequently represented Jalalabad in the Punjab Legislative Assembly until 2022.
Despite losing the 2022 Assembly election, Awla remained associated with Congress and continued his political activities in the region. His departure from the party now places him alongside leaders with whom he had previously competed electorally. The development has prompted discussion about how the political situation in Jalalabad and neighbouring constituencies may evolve ahead of the 2027 polls.
Following his induction, Awla expressed appreciation for the confidence shown in him by Sukhbir Singh Badal and spoke about his commitment to serving the people of Punjab. His entry into the Akali Dal also raises questions about the responsibilities he may receive within the party organisation and whether he will play a direct electoral role in the next Assembly elections.
Jalalabad remains an important constituency in Punjab's political landscape because of its history of contests involving senior leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress. Awla's change of party adds a new dimension to the political activity in the constituency, although no official announcement regarding his candidature for the 2027 elections has been made.
For now, the confirmed development is Awla's formal entry into the Shiromani Akali Dal. Any decision regarding his organisational position or future electoral responsibilities will depend on subsequent announcements from the party leadership.
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