Former Army Chief JJ Singh resigns from Akali Dal
What's the story
Former Army Chief Gen JJ Singh today resigned from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) citing personal reasons. Singh, who also served as the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, had joined the Akali Dal, ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections in early 2017 and had unsuccessfully contested against the current Chief Minister Amarinder Singh from the Patiala Assembly constituency. Here are more details.
Reason
'I resigned from Shiromani Akali Dal due to personal reasons'
In his resignation letter to SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, Singh said he was resigning from the party for personal reasons. "I wish to inform you with a heavy heart that I have resigned from Shiromani Akali Dal and from the position of president of Shiromani Akali Dal, Ex-Servicemen wing, with immediate effect due to personal reasons," he said in his letter.
Details
Singh was apparently unhappy with functioning of the Akali Dal
Sources said Singh was not happy with the functioning of the Akali Dal and its leadership. When asked about his future course, he said he wished to serve people and that he has kept his political options open. "I want to serve the people and the country," he said. Notably, Gen (retd) Singh was the first Sikh officer to become the Army chief.
Information
JJ Singh served as 22nd Army chief during 2005-2007
Gen (retd) Joginder Jaswant (JJ) Singh fought the 1965 and 1971 wars, apart from being among the architects of defeating Pakistani intruders in Kargil. He served as the 22nd Chief of the Indian Army from January 31, 2005, to September 30, 2007.