Election registration pending, Akali offshoots step up Punjab poll push

As the February 2027 Assembly elections in Punjab approach, two factions of the Akali Dal have intensified their political activities despite lacking formal registration or an election symbol from the Election Commission of India (ECI). The Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) was established by Amritpal Singh's father in January 2025, following his imprisonment.

Despite applying for registration, the party has yet to receive approval from the ECI, which typically takes three to six months. The delay has raised concerns about the party's ability to compete in the 2027 elections as a unified force. However, the outfit has gained traction by announcing new candidates and entrants, including Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, who won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as an Independent.

The party's candidate list includes notable figures such as Papalpreet Singh and Harpreet Singh, known for their association with prominent political incidents. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), a faction within the parent party, has also applied for ECI registration but faces uncertainty in the process. The upcoming months will likely determine the legal status and potential alliances of these political entities as Punjab heads to the polls.