The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Saturday asserted that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) efforts to "spread a false narrative" regarding Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's deposition at the Akal Takht and its attempt to stage dharnas against the party had backfired.
SAD Spokesperson's Statement
SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler said, "AAP attempted to gherao and stage protest at district headquarters of the SAD, but its attempts failed miserably as they could not muster support of requisite numbers despite help from the police force." He added that videos from various districts showed only a small number of AAP workers heeded the party's call, making the entire effort a flop show.
Background of the Controversy
The protests were reportedly linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's deposition at the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhism. AAP had accused SAD of politicizing the matter and had called for demonstrations against the party. However, SAD claimed that the poor turnout exposed AAP's lack of grassroots support.
Political Implications
SAD's statement highlights the ongoing political rivalry between the two parties in Punjab. The Akali Dal, a former ruling party, has been critical of AAP's governance and has sought to capitalize on any perceived missteps. The failed protests, according to SAD, indicate that AAP's narrative is not resonating with the public.
Kler further remarked that AAP's reliance on police force to bolster their numbers was evident, but even that could not salvage the protest. He urged the party to focus on governance rather than staging futile demonstrations.
