Patiala, May 13 (PTI) Former Punjab minister Surjit Singh Rakhra may join the Aam Aadmi Party with the Akali leader's discussion with the leadership of the ruling outfit being underway.
Rakhra has been one of the prominent faces of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for decades. During the Akali governments in Punjab, he handled important portfolios and was considered among the close confidants of former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal.
However, due to differences within the party, particularly with Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, Rakhra distanced himself from the party and later joined the Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit).
On Wednesday, Rakhra praised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for the enactment of an anti-sacrilege law.
Rakhra claimed that he had requested the chief minister to introduce a strict anti-sacrilege law in Punjab.
He also said that he had organised and supported a protest in the Samana constituency demanding such legislation.
The former minister said that this decision significantly increased the respect that he and his family have for Mann.
Rakhra further said that he now wants to stand with a political force that genuinely talks about Punjab's interests.
Asked whether he had met AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Rakhra clarified that no meeting has taken place so far. However, he added that if he formally joins AAP, he would certainly meet Kejriwal.