SAD President Sukhbir Badal Unveils Ambitious 2027 Election Platform in Qadian Rally
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal officially launched the first phase of his party's campaign for the 2027 Punjab assembly elections with a major public rally in Qadian, Gurdaspur district. The event marked a significant political offensive as Badal outlined a comprehensive vision for the state's future, blending infrastructure development with populist welfare measures and cultural revival initiatives.
"Punjabis Only" Government Jobs Policy and Economic Promises
In his address to the gathering, Badal made the striking announcement that his government would implement a "Punjabis only" policy for all state government jobs, positioning this as a measure to prioritize local employment opportunities. He complemented this with substantial economic promises, including interest-free loans of Rs 10 lakh for youth entrepreneurs and the construction of "pucca bundhs" (cemented embankments) along Punjab's rivers to enhance water management and flood control infrastructure.
Aggressive Stance on SYL Canal and Water Rights
The SAD leader's rhetoric took a sharply confrontational turn as he leveled serious allegations against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of preparing to compromise Punjab's river water rights. Drawing a firm line on the contentious SYL (Sutlej-Yamuna Link) canal issue, Badal declared with dramatic intensity that he and other SAD leaders were prepared to "spill their blood" to prevent any water diversion. "We will not allow even a single drop of SYL water to flow out of the state," he asserted, framing the water issue as a matter of Punjab's sovereignty and survival.
Law and Order: Tough Measures Against Drugs and Gangsters
Addressing persistent concerns about crime and substance abuse, Badal vowed to implement a harsh policy against drug trafficking and gangster activities. He promised to pursue legal amendments that would deny bail to accused individuals for up to ten years in such cases, alongside the aggressive measure of auctioning properties belonging to convicted drug lords and gangsters. This tough-on-crime approach was presented as essential for restoring public safety and social order across Punjab.
Cultural Revival and Niche Rural Initiatives
In a distinctive section of his speech, Badal announced several initiatives aimed at reclaiming Punjab's sporting heritage and promoting traditional rural interests. He pledged to restart the internationally recognized World Kabaddi Cup, initiate a new "Kushti Cup" for traditional wrestling, and actively promote traditional Pashu Melas (livestock fairs). More uniquely, he promised the construction of a specialized racecourse for Marwari horses and expressed support for "kabootar baazi" (pigeon racing), positioning these as celebrations of Punjab's rural culture and niche sporting traditions.
Political Positioning and Election Narrative
Flanked by party loyalist Guriqbal Singh Mahal, Badal framed the upcoming election as "a quest for peace, progress, and prosperity" for Punjab. He interpreted the enthusiastic response at the Qadian rally as evidence that Punjabis are eager for the return of SAD governance and a decisive rejection of any political party he characterized as being "governed from the national capital." This narrative positions the 2027 election as a choice between local leadership and external control, with Badal presenting SAD as the authentic voice of Punjab's interests.
The Qadian rally thus served as both a campaign launch and a comprehensive policy platform reveal, combining economic promises, cultural initiatives, and strong political messaging as SAD begins its long march toward the 2027 assembly elections.
