As established political parties in Punjab gear up for Assembly polls next year, two hardline groups - the Dal Khalsa and Panch Pardhani - today closed ranks to form a single entity to pursue their agenda of an "independent and sovereign" Punjab (Khalistan).
An assembly of the two radical parties here resolved to "rekindle and rejuvenate the spirit of Khalsa" to uphold their desire for a Khalsa Raj.
Both the groups at their delegate session at a Gurdwara Sahib here decided to retain the name Dal Khalsa.
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Through a show of hands, the parties unanimously elected human rights activist and lawyer, Harpal Singh Cheema as its working president and empowered him to restructure the outfit and its units in the state by August 13.
Announcing Cheema's appointment, Dal Khalsa spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh said that Dal Khalsa's founder Gajinder Singh, and founder of Panch Pardani Bhai Daljit Singh would remain guiding force for the new set-up.
He said Gajinder Singh has been appointed patron whereas Daljit Singh will assist them in the role of advisor to the organisation.
Earlier, present head H S Dhami stepped down to pave the way for the appointment of Cheema.
