Summary:
New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Shiromani Akali Dal leader and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee chief Manjinder Singh Sirsa joined the BJP here on Wednesday ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab, in what is being seen as the ruling party"s efforts to woo Sikh voters.He joined the BJP in the presence of senior party leaders and Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and later met Home Minister Amit Shah and party president J P Nadda, signifying the importance the party attached to his induction.
Sirsa has been a prominent face of the Akali Dal in the national capital and was a strong supporter of the farmers" protests against the three contentious farm laws.
He said he will continue to work for Sikh causes.Parminder Singh Brar, a former officer on special duty to ex-Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, also joined the BJP on Wednesday.In October last year he had joined the Congress after leaving SAD.
Brar had headed the IT wing of the SAD and was instrumental in the party’s campaigns in the previous elections.Extending him a warm welcome, Shah said Sirsa has expressed trust in the BJP"s commitment to the Sikh community"s welfare under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
"I am sure his joining the party will further strengthen this resolve," he said.
Nadda said, "I am sure his experience and hard work will further strengthen the BJP." Shekhawat, who is the BJP"s in-charge for Punjab assembly polls, said Sirsa"s induction will definitely be helpful for it in the state elections, due early next year.