Chandigarh, July 28 -- The chances of reconciliation between Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the rebel faction appear to have diminished, with the Sukhbir camp making it clear that it will not participate in the upcoming election of office-bearers scheduled for August 11.

The Sukhbir faction has emphasised that the election, already held on April 13 for the recast of the party, renders the new election unnecessary.

Recently, the rebel faction extended an invitation to Sukhbir to join the election process for new office-bearers, with Manpreet Singh Ayali, one of the rebel leaders, stating that the election was being held to "overhaul the party and make it a stronger regional force." Ayali added that they were acting...