18 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has appointed prominent kabaddi player Balvir Singh, popularly known as Pala Jalalpuria, as its new halqa in-charge for the Shahkot Assembly constituency in Punjab.
His appointment comes ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections and makes him the third person to hold the party’s halqa in-charge position in Shahkot since the last Assembly elections.
Who Is Pala Jalalpuria?
Pala Jalalpuria hails from Jalalpur village in Shahkot and is known for his career in kabaddi. The party brought him into its political fold in April this year, reportedly on the recommendation of local AAP leader and Punjab Khadi and Village Development Board chairman Kaku Ahluwalia.
Although his family is reportedly settled in Canada, Pala has remained in Punjab and has become increasingly active in local politics.
Shahkot Has Seen Several AAP Organisational Changes
AAP’s latest appointment comes after a series of changes in its Shahkot organisation.
In the 2022 Assembly election, AAP had fielded Rattan Singh Kakar Kalan, who finished third. Congress MLA Hardev Singh Laddi Sherowalia retained the seat. Kakar Kalan later died in December 2023 following illness.
Before his death, Rana Hardeep Singh had become active in AAP’s Shahkot activities and was seen organising events during the 2023 Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll.
Pinder Pandori’s Tenure Ends
In February 2024, AAP appointed Pinder Pandori as Shahkot halqa in-charge.
Pandori remained active in the constituency until an audio conversation with an AAP worker reportedly became a source of controversy within the party. According to the report, Pandori had alleged that a CMO officer was involved in illegal mining in the area.
The audio was reportedly brought to the attention of senior party leaders, following which Pandori issued a video apology. About two weeks later, the party replaced him with Pala Jalalpuria.
Shahkot Political Equation
Shahkot is currently represented by Congress MLA Hardev Singh Laddi Sherowalia, making the constituency an important organisational target for AAP ahead of the next Assembly election.
Pala’s appointment gives the party a new local face as it works to strengthen its organisation and grassroots presence in the constituency.
AAP Makes Multiple Organisational Appointments
Pala’s appointment was announced alongside the party’s decision to appoint former Akali minister Surjit Singh Rakhra as halqa in-charge for Samana.
Rakhra’s appointment has also attracted attention because Samana is currently represented by AAP MLA Chetan Singh Jouramajra.
The appointments indicate that AAP is making organisational changes across constituencies ahead of the 2027 Punjab polls.
Focus on Grassroots Organisation
Halqa in-charges play an important organisational role for political parties in Punjab, working with local workers, leaders and supporters and helping coordinate party activities within an Assembly constituency.
Pala will now be responsible for strengthening AAP’s organisational presence in Shahkot and remaining connected with workers at the grassroots level.
A New Political Role for a Kabaddi Figure
Pala Jalalpuria’s entry into a key organisational role also reflects the growing involvement of public figures from sports and other fields in Punjab politics.
His familiarity with the local area and his sporting background could help him build a wider public profile as he takes on his new political responsibility.
2027 Assembly Polls in Focus
With the next Punjab Assembly election approaching, parties are increasingly focusing on constituency-level organisation and local leadership.
AAP’s decision to appoint Pala in Shahkot is therefore significant primarily as an organisational move, although the appointment does not by itself establish who will receive the party’s final Assembly ticket in 2027.