Manjinder Sirsa Joins BJP Ahead Of Punjab Polls In Blow To Ex-Ally Akali | Read

The BJP made a key acquisition today ahead of the Punjab election, but at a cost to its former ally Akali Dal. Manjinder Sirsa, an Akali Dal leader close to the Badals, joined the ruling party. The BJP is in touch with many Jat Sikh leaders like Manjinder Sirsa in Punjab, according to its leaders. The party's strategy for the approaching Punjab polls is to tap disgruntled leaders from the Congress and Akali Dal and shore up its prospects in a state where it has only ever played second fiddle.