Akali Dal panel recommends Manpreet’s expulsion

CHANDIGARH - A high-level disciplinary committee of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal Wednesday recommended the expulsion of former Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal from the party owing to his “anti-party activities”.

The recommendation was made after a meeting of the partys disciplinary committee headed by Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Ranjit Singh Brahmpura and four other senior Akali Dal leaders.

Manpreet Badal, who was suspended from the Akali Dal Oct 12 and asked to appear before the disciplinary committee here Wednesday, did not appear before the committee.

His remaining in the Akali Dal is detrimental to the interests of the party, Brahmpura said at the meeting.

Manpreet, a nephew of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, was sacked from the Punjab cabinet after his statements on Punjab’s finances and debt write-offs brought him in confrontation with the partys policies and leadership.

The disciplinary committee also issued a showcause notice to two Akali Dal legislators, Manjinder Singh Kang and Jagbir Singh Brar, for supporting Manpreet Badal after his suspension from the party and dismissal from the cabinet.

Both legislators have been asked to give their explanation by Nov 10.