Ex-Punjab minister Anil Joshi quits SAD, cites sectarian politics
Former Punjab Minister Anil Joshi has resigned from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), citing the party's drift toward sectarian politics. In his resignation letter to SAD's working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Joshi slammed the party for focusing on religious issues rather than larger issues affecting Punjab. "I joined... SAD because I believed in the secular and inclusive vision of Parkash Singh Badal," he wrote.
Joshi criticizes SAD's leadership, feels 'misfit'
Joshi said he felt like a "misfit" in SAD, adding the party's direction was no longer in tune with his principles. He also slammed the current leadership under Sukhbir Singh Badal and said he should resign as president. "After much thought, I have realized it is no longer possible for me to serve the people of Punjab while staying in...SAD," he said in his resignation letter.
Joshi's political journey and previous roles
Joshi announced his resignation from all positions and primary membership of SAD. He was the Minister for Local Bodies, Medical Education & Research in the previous SAD-BJP Punjab government. Before joining SAD in 2021 Joshi was with the BJP; he was first elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly from Amritsar North in 2007 and re-elected in 2012.
