Sukhbir Badal Challenges CM Mann on AAP Rally Funding
In a sharp political confrontation, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has directly challenged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to finance the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) proposed 16,000 rallies and nukkad meetings exclusively from party resources, rather than dipping into the state exchequer. Addressing a rally in Phillaur on Thursday, Badal issued this ultimatum, warning that failure to comply would expose the initiative as a corrupt scheme masquerading as public welfare.
Allegations of Corruption in AAP's Rally Plans
Reacting to the AAP government's decision to organize an extensive series of 16,000 rallies and nukkad meetings across Punjab, Sukhbir Badal leveled serious accusations of financial misconduct. He alleged that the AAP administration is employing the same questionable tactics it has used in the past for rallies and advertisements. According to Badal, their strategy involves overpaying government funds to vendors and then reclaiming 40 to 50 percent as 'commission'—a practice he claims drains public coffers for partisan gain.
Furthermore, Badal criticized the logistical arrangements, stating that the AAP not only funds these rallies at government expense but also requisitions state transport buses to ferry attendees to and from the events. He argued that this misuse of state resources undermines transparency and accountability, diverting funds meant for public services to political campaigning.
Criticism of CM Mann's Personal Celebrations
In addition to the rally funding issue, Sukhbir Badal took aim at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's personal conduct. He highlighted that Mann is planning to celebrate his daughter's birthday at the commissioner's residence in Jalandhar, which Badal described as having been appropriated in an excessively lavish manner. The event is reportedly set to feature tents, luxury catering, and performances by top singers to entertain guests—a display Badal condemned as inappropriate amid ongoing public welfare concerns.
Claims of Agencies Targeting SAD and Sikh Institutions
During the rally, Sukhbir Badal also made broader allegations about external pressures on the Shiromani Akali Dal and Sikh religious bodies. He asserted that various agencies are actively working to weaken the SAD and undermine Sikh institutions through calculated conspiracies. Badal pointed to the fragmentation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which he said was deliberately broken to establish a separate gurdwara committee for Haryana.
He further accused state governments of taking over the management committees of Takht Hazur Sahib and Takht Patna Sahib, while the BJP assumed control of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. Badal claimed these actions are part of a sustained effort to erode Sikh autonomy and influence.
Reference to Religious Edict and Personal Threats
In an apparent reference to Sikh high priests who issued a December 2 edict imposing tankhah (religious punishment) on him and called for fresh enrollment of the SAD, Sukhbir Badal alleged that certain elements manipulated the jathedars to take action against him. He went on to claim that these same forces were responsible for attempts to eliminate him while he was performing sewa (service) at Darbar Sahib. Despite these challenges, Badal remained defiant, emphasizing that his commitment to the pride and honor of the party and the Panth (Sikh community) remains unwavering and that he will not be intimidated by such acts.
This confrontation underscores the escalating political tensions in Punjab, with Sukhbir Badal positioning the SAD as a vigilant opposition against perceived corruption and external interference in Sikh affairs.
