CHANDIGARH, Punjab—Feeling sidelined in the party, Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) leader and former DGP of Punjab, Paramdeep Gill today joined Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in a conference conducted by its state unit in Kathua of Jammu & Kashmir. Party’s national president Amit Shah who is on special visit to the state ahead of upcoming assembly elections, was also present on the occasion.
PS Gill, an IPS officer of 1974 batch and of Jammu & Kashmir cadre, was brought in to Punjab by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Badal and appointed as DGP in 2009. This decision drew harsh reaction from the senior police officials of the state. As soon as he retired as officer, he started to take part in politics actively as a member of the Akali Dal.
Gill also contested assembly elections from Moga seat in 2012 as SAD candidate but could not succeed. He was defeated by Congress candidate Joginder Pal Jain.
His ill fate continued as his main rival Jain was brought into the fold of SAD by Badals. Jain was again fielded in by-poll and retained the seat in 2013. Thus, his condition in the ruling party was considered as vulnerable.
