SAD Unveils Aggressive Election Campaign for 2027 Punjab Polls
In a significant political move, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has announced the launch of its election campaign for the 2027 Punjab Assembly polls. The party will initiate a mass contact program titled ‘Punjab Bachao – Sukhbir Singh Badal Liyao', featuring 40 rallies across the state. This strategic decision was made by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal after extensive consultations with senior leadership, marking a proactive approach to engage voters well in advance of the elections.
Campaign Schedule and Initial Rally Details
The first rally is scheduled for February 17 in Qadian, setting the tone for a series of public engagements. Senior SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema outlined the campaign timeline, stating that 40 rallies will be conducted until Baisakhi on April 13. Specifically, 28 rallies are planned until March 31, with schedules already finalized, while the remaining 12 will take place in April. This phased approach aims to maximize outreach and build momentum leading up to the election period.
Key Issues to Be Highlighted
During the rallies, SAD leaders will address a range of critical issues affecting Punjab. Sukhbir Singh Badal emphasized that the party will present its vision for the state, focusing on resolving burning problems and rallying public support. Key topics include:
- Agrarian Crisis: The party will highlight farmer indebtedness, suicides, and the lack of compensation for losses from the 2025 floods. Demands for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and concerns over cuts in fertilizer subsidies will also be raised.
- Federal Structure: SAD expressed concern over the erosion of federalism in India, arguing that it harms Punjab financially by affecting central fund devolution and state spending autonomy.
- State-Specific Demands: Issues such as transferring Chandigarh to Punjab and ending discrimination over river waters will be reaffirmed as party commitments.
Broader Societal and Political Concerns
Beyond economic and agricultural matters, the mass contact program will address social and governance issues. Cheema noted that the campaign will advocate for specialized welfare programs for the Scheduled Caste community and increased employment opportunities for youth. Additionally, SAD plans to expose alleged corruption, poor law and order, and patronage of the drug mafia by the current Aam Aadmi Party government.
Focus on Panthic and Sikh Issues
A significant aspect of the campaign will be the discussion of Panthic issues, particularly attempts to weaken Sikh religious institutions. The party aims to expose those involved in such conspiracies and appeal to the Sikh community for support, positioning SAD as a defender of Sikh pride and prestige. This focus underscores the party's historical stance on religious and cultural matters, aiming to consolidate its traditional voter base.
Overall, the SAD's campaign launch signals a robust effort to reconnect with voters, address multifaceted state challenges, and set the stage for a competitive electoral battle in 2027.
