The rebellion within the Shiromani Akali Dal has spotlighted the influence of regional papers in Punjab, especially Barjinder Singh Hamdard, the owner and editor-in-chief of the Jalandhar-based daily Ajit.

According to an Indian Express report, SAD leaders who have rallied behind party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal believe Hamdard is supporting the demand to replace him, pointing to the fact that the rebel leaders held a meeting recently at his farmhouse in Jalandhar. While Hamdard was not present at the meeting, he is known to have separately met some of the SAD rebels, including Bibi Jagir Kaur, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Prem Singh Chandumajra and Gurpartap Singh Wadala, the paper reported.

But the rebel camp has denied that Hamdard has any hand in their demand, citing their long acquaintance with him as the reason behind the decision to hold the meeting at his farmhouse, according to the paper. Hamdard was unavailable for comment.

“Ajit commands considerable influence in Punjab’s rural areas, a reason why political players have always courted its owners. Hamdard, a former Rajya Sabha MP and recipient of the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, has long been known to be close to the SAD leadership, especially the late Parkash Singh Badal.”

Hamdard’s ties have been strained with the AAP government, allegedly over some articles and a vigilance probe into a project, the report suggested.

"The meeting was also seen by many quarters as a sign that the SAD was exploring a potential realignment with former ally BJP. The fact that Hamdard was close to BJP leaders as well meant that he was best placed to facilitate such a restoration of ties, it was felt.”

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