Sukhbir Badal Counters Amit Shah, Vows SAD Solo Fight for Punjab in 2027
Hours after Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared at a Moga rally that the BJP would contest the 2027 Punjab assembly elections alone, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal delivered a sharp response at the party's Punjab Bachao rally in Sahnewal, Ludhiana. Badal asserted that every political party is free to make its own alliance decisions, just as the SAD did during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Only Akali Dal Feels Punjab's Pain, Says Badal
In a passionate address, Sukhbir Singh Badal reiterated that only the Akali Dal truly "feels the pain of Punjab" and is capable of safeguarding the state's interests. He emphasized that for the SAD, the welfare of Punjab and its people remains the supreme priority. "For us, the interests of Punjab and Punjabis are supreme," Badal declared, adding his commitment to fight steadfastly for their rights.
Expressing confidence in the upcoming elections, Badal stated, "I have full faith that Punjabis will support the SAD this time." He predicted a landslide victory for the regional party in the 2027 assembly polls, directly challenging the BJP's solo stance announced by Amit Shah.
Invoking Badal Legacy and Accusing Delhi Parties
Badal invoked the legacy of his father and former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, highlighting how the late leader chose to remain in jail for 16 years rather than compromise on Punjab's rights. "I will also continue this fight," Sukhbir vowed, accusing Delhi-based parties like the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of repeatedly betraying Punjab.
In a pointed question aimed at BJP leadership, Badal asked, "Can Amit Shah or PM Modi have the same concern for you as the Badal family or the SAD?" He contrasted the SAD's consistent support during crises with what he described as abandonment by both the AAP state government and the Central government during last year's devastating floods.
Confidence in Electoral Success and Development Promises
Badal expressed strong confidence in the SAD's electoral prospects, stating, "Punjabis know they have been repeatedly betrayed by Delhi-based parties. I am confident they will hand the SAD 100 seats in the forthcoming elections."
Responding to former minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon's demand for establishing the World Skill University proposed earlier by the SAD at Sahnewal, Badal announced the party's plan to set up the institution with corporate participation. This initiative aims to provide industry-relevant training for youth, addressing employment concerns in the region.
Praise for Loyalty and Criticism of Opportunism
Badal praised Dhillon's loyalty to the party while taking a swipe at leaders who had previously left the SAD. "People who change with the wind cannot be trusted," he remarked, noting that several former members who believed the party was finished are now seeking to return.
Dhillon, during the rally, advocated for local rights in mining sand from areas affected by recent floods, highlighting ongoing concerns about resource management and community benefits in the region.
The Sahnewal rally marked a significant political moment as Sukhbir Singh Badal positioned the SAD as the sole authentic voice for Punjab, directly countering Amit Shah's announcement and setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested 2027 assembly election.
