Overview
- Sukhbir Singh Badal has formally inducted 31 independent councillors into the Shiromani Akali Dal, a step the party says lifts its effective ward influence from 192 to 243.
- The Badal-led SAD says the additions give it clear majorities in nine municipal committees, including Maluka, Kot Shamir, Nathana and Rahon, shifting control of several local bodies.
- Badal has alleged electoral irregularities and misuse of administrative and police powers by the Aam Aadmi Party government, citing returning-officer certificates in Zirakpur and police action involving leaders such as Bikram Singh Majithia.
- The Akali fold remains fractured: a breakaway SAD (Punar Surjit) is holding talks with the BJP about a possible alliance, while other rebel groups such as SAD Sudhar Lehar and Waris Punjab De continue to fragment traditional Akali support.
- The local consolidations come against a backdrop of the party's 2020 split from the BJP and its poor showing in the May civic polls, and they will shape grassroots organisation and alliance math ahead of the 2027 assembly contest.