Punjab: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of permitting the Centre and the Haryana government to use force against Punjab farmers to avoid arrest in a massive liquor scam. Badal made these remarks while addressing large public gatherings in Bathinda Rural and Bhucho assembly segments.
Badal alleged that Mann is aware he could face imprisonment like his ally Arvind Kejriwal due to involvement in a similar liquor scam in Punjab. He claimed that Mann is willing to relinquish control of the Punjab government to the BJP by forming a separate unit of AAP in Punjab, mirroring the BJP’s strategy in Maharashtra with Shiv Sena and NCP. Badal emphasized the need for Punjabis to reject Delhi-based parties in the upcoming parliamentary elections, asserting that only a regional party can safeguard their interests, while Delhi-based parties aim to exploit their resources.
During his address, Mr. Badal highlighted the developmental strides made by the SAD in Bathinda constituency during its two consecutive terms in power from 2007 to 2017. He emphasized how Bathinda transformed into a modern city with significant infrastructural development and the establishment of institutions like AIIMS, a thermal plant, central university, and an airport. Badal lamented the lack of progress during the Congress and AAP tenure in the past seven years, noting the deterioration of civic amenities and the absence of new projects. He urged voters to support Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, emphasizing her advocacy for the constituency in parliament and expressing confidence in her ability to pave the way for the SAD’s return to power in 2027 and reignite development in the city.
Mr. Badal also criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s governance, pointing out his limited visits to his own constituency of Dhuri over the past two years despite promising decentralized government from villages. He highlighted the irony of Mann and his family members traveling with extensive security despite pledging not to do so. Additionally, he cautioned voters against the Congress, reminding them of the party’s historical actions, particularly referencing the events of June 1, 1984, when Indira Gandhi ordered the military attack on Sri Darbar Sahib. Badal underscored the lasting impact of this event on the Sikh community and urged voters to consider it when casting their ballots.