Rebel SAD leader back in party fold

In a shot in the arm of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, rebel leader Gurpartap Singh Tikka on Wednesday came back into the party fold in the presence of Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and Amritsar BJP candidate Arun Jaitley.

In a shot in the arm of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, rebel leader Gurpartap Singh Tikka on Wednesday came back into the party fold in the presence of Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and Amritsar BJP candidate Arun Jaitley.

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Addressing media persons on this occasion, Badal, who called on Tikka’s residence here, said, “Gurpartap has a very strong association with the party and contributed to it the most. Due to certain reasons, Gurpartap contested as an Independent in 2012 polls but now we are happy that he is back.”

Jaitley, said, “With the homecoming of Tikka, we will get strength and this is a boost to the SAD-BJP alliance.”

Tikka had contested as an Independent in the last assembly polls after being denied the SAD ticket from Amritsar (South) constituency.

Inder Bolaria (SAD), who represents the constituency, was also present on the occasion.