SAD President Sukhbir Badal Issues Stern Warning to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann
In a fiery address at the Punjab Bachao rally in Patiala, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal declared that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his officers on special duty (OSDs) will not be allowed to escape accountability after the 2027 assembly elections. Badal asserted that they would be held responsible for alleged corruption, regardless of any attempts to flee the country.
Threats of Fleeing Abroad Addressed
Sukhbir Badal, speaking alongside party's Patiala rural segment incharge Jaspal Singh Bittu Chatha, directly targeted the chief minister and his associates. "These corrupt individuals believe they can run away to countries like Canada and Australia, where they have allegedly hidden their illegal wealth," he stated. "I want to make it clear: they will all be held to account. Even if they attempt to flee, they will be brought back to face the law and answer for their crimes."
Response to Political Satire and Security Criticisms
Later, responding to media queries, Badal dismissed the use of 'kiklis'—traditional folk sequences—by Bhagwant Mann to target him politically. He emphasized that such tactics would not shield the chief minister from public backlash. "CM Bhagwant Mann can create as many 'kiklis' as he wants, but it will not save him from the anger of Punjabis who feel betrayed in every aspect," Badal remarked.
He further challenged Mann to visit any village in Punjab without heavy security, accusing him of imposing lockdown-like conditions with a posse of 500 police personnel. "If he does this, Punjabis will make him forget his cheap 'kiklis' forever!" Badal added, referencing an incident in Jaito where security measures were heightened.
Call for Unity and Judicial Probe
On the topic of estranged Akalis returning to the party, Sukhbir Badal appealed for unity under SAD's banner. "I urge every Punjabi to set aside differences and unite with Punjab's only regional party. Together, we must protect our state from looters in Delhi and restore its pride and prosperity," he said.
Outlining future plans, Badal promised that if SAD forms the government, a committee led by a sitting judge would be established to probe all corruption cases within three months. "All false cases will be revoked, and strict action will be taken against political leaders and officers responsible for such registrations," he assured.
Criticism of Congress and Vision for Punjab
Badal also criticized the Congress party, accusing it of betraying Punjabis despite 25 years in power. He contrasted former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's community engagement programs with Captain Amarinder Singh's alleged neglect of Patiala Rural.
Highlighting his vision for Punjab, Sukhbir Badal pledged that government jobs would be reserved for Punjabis, unlike the current AAP administration, which he accused of favoring outsiders. "The next SAD government will welcome new investments but mandate that at least 75% of hires in new units are Punjabis," he stated. Additionally, he proposed interest-free loans of Rs 10 lakh and a 75% subsidy for youth to establish livestock farms, aiming to boost local employment and economy.
