In a significant political development in Punjab's Ludhiana district, rebel MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali has demonstrated an unshaken grip over his constituency of Mullanpur Dakha. Despite facing repeated criticism from Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Ayali's political influence appears stronger than ever, as evidenced by the recent local body election results.
Independent Candidates Secure Sweeping Victory
The recently concluded elections for the zila parishad and panchayat samiti have served as a clear referendum on Ayali's local popularity. Candidates backed by him, contesting as independents under the torch symbol, secured a decisive victory. They won all three zila parishad seats from the Mullanpur Dakha zone and triumphed in 17 out of the 25 panchayat samiti zones in the area. This sweeping win has not only reaffirmed Ayali's command but has also positioned him as a potential kingmaker in the district's political landscape.
Ayali Emerges as Key Player for Zila Parishad Formation
The election outcome has created a hung house for the Ludhiana Zila Parishad, with no single party securing the required majority. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 11 seats, falling short of the 13 needed to elect a chairman independently. The Congress secured eight seats, while the SAD managed only three. This arithmetic has thrust Manpreet Ayali and the independent candidates he supports into a position of considerable power.
Political observers believe the AAP will first attempt to garner support from the independents to reach the magic number. Ayali is expected to play a decisive role in these negotiations. Close aides of the rebel leader have indicated that while he has not yet extended support to any party, any potential alliance would be conditional. The conditions are likely to focus on ensuring development-related work in the Mullanpur Dakha constituency progresses without obstruction.
A Crucial Test Ahead of 2027 Assembly Polls
These local elections were widely viewed as a critical test of political strength for all parties, especially with the 2027 state assembly elections on the horizon. For Manpreet Ayali, the polls served as a vital opportunity to gauge whether his voters continued to trust him after his dramatic break from the Shiromani Akali Dal. The resounding success of his candidates confirms that his support base remains solidly intact.
Ayali, who was once part of a seven-member committee formed by the Akal Takht to revive the SAD, later founded a rebel faction named Akali Dal Punar Surjit. The election results suggest his local stature has survived the party split unscathed.
Reacting to the victory, Manpreet Ayali expressed gratitude to the voters of Dakha. He stated, "We won 17 out of 25 panchayat samitis, and wherever we lost, it was by a very nominal margin, while all three zila parishad seats are with us." This performance ensures that one chairman for the zila parishad will be elected from the Mullanpur Dakha zone, further cementing Ayali's pivotal role in Ludhiana's district politics.
