SAD President Sukhbir Badal Slams Punjab CM Over Anti-Sacrilege Law Drama
In a fiery address at Kotkapura town in Faridkot, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal launched a scathing attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of "enacting drama" regarding a special Vidhan Sabha session on the anti-sacrilege law. Badal asserted that the previous SAD-BJP government had already passed this legislation in 2016, which mandates a life sentence for anyone committing sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. However, he highlighted that the law remains pending ratification by the central government.
Call for Action Instead of Political Theater
Badal urged Chief Minister Mann to shift focus from political theatrics to substantive action. "Instead of indulging in a drama on this sensitive issue, the CM should take up this matter with the central government and get it passed," he emphasized during the rally. The SAD chief argued that such posturing undermines genuine efforts to address sacrilege, a critical concern for Punjab's Sikh community.
Allegations Against Aam Aadmi Party
Further escalating his criticism, Sukhbir Badal linked the rise of sacrilege incidents in Punjab to the entry of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) into the state's political landscape in 2015. He pointed to the case of AAP legislator Naresh Yadav, who was convicted in a sacrilege case, questioning why the party defended him and deployed senior leaders like Harpal Singh Cheema and Harjot Singh Bains to fight his legal battle. "The AAP is yet to tell Punjabis why it defended Yadav," Badal stated, casting doubt on the party's commitment to religious sensitivities.
Critique of Delhi-Based Parties
In a broader political commentary, the SAD president accused Delhi-based parties, including those led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and Arvind Kejriwal, of discriminating against Punjab. "They have no concern for Punjab, but the SAD is part and parcel of Punjab and its people," he declared. Badal contrasted the Akali Dal's ethos of 'sewa' (service) with what he described as the ruling and looting mentality of external political forces.
Promises and Accusations in Moga Rally
Later, addressing a rally in Moga, Sukhbir Badal turned his attention to governance issues, promising immediate 12-hour daytime power supply to farmers and tubewell connections for those lacking them if SAD returns to power in 2027. He also leveled serious allegations against the AAP government, accusing it of harassing state employees through illegal dictates, physical and mental abuse, and even threats to family members.
Badal cited a specific case involving an SDM-level officer who reported mental harassment and torture, alleging that the officer was coerced into electing AAP candidates for Block Samiti positions. "This proves that the AAP does not believe in the rule of law and could do anything to secure poll victories," he asserted. The SAD chief referenced the recent suicide of Warehousing Corporation district manager Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, who was allegedly harassed by then transport minister Laljit Bhullar, as evidence of a troubling pattern.
Concluding his address, Sukhbir Badal urged government employees to resist obeying illegal orders, reinforcing his party's stance against what he perceives as authoritarian tactics by the current administration.
