Sukhbir Badal launches SAD campaign from Qadian, promises ‘new era of peace and prosperity’ in Punjab

Sounding the bugle for the first phase of the Shiromani Akali Dal’s election campaign, party president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday declared that a political “storm” had begun which would drive all Delhi-based parties out of Punjab.

Addressing a massive gathering in Qadian, he outlined his vision for the state, promising welfare measures for farmers, construction of pucca bundhs on rivers, stronger social welfare schemes, interest-free loans for youth, government jobs exclusively for Punjabis, and an end to gangsterism and the drug mafia.

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The SAD president also launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging corruption and accusing him of compromising Punjab’s river waters. He claimed that pressure from the Centre had forced the Chief Minister to soften his stance on water transfer to Haryana through the SYL canal.

“We are ready to spill our blood, but we will not allow even a drop of SYL water to flow out of Punjab,” he asserted. He further alleged that Punjab was suffering because the Aam Aadmi Party had failed to defend the state’s interests at the Centre and accused it of selling Rajya Sabha seats to industrialists.

Expressing confidence in the party’s momentum, Mr Badal said the “storm” would turn into a “tsunami” in 40 days, referring to the party’s plan to hold 40 consecutive rallies before Baisakhi. Thanking party workers, including Qadian halqa in-charge Guriqbal Singh Mahal, he said the large turnout showed that Punjabis were eager for the return of the SAD in 2027 and determined to defeat Delhi-based parties.

Spelling out his agenda, Mr Badal promised to restore peace, progress, and prosperity if voted to power. He assured farmers that tubewell connections would be provided within a week of forming the government and announced pucca bundhs to prevent floods, land ownership rights for the landless, and free partition of jointly owned land.

He also pledged to strengthen welfare schemes launched by former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, restart the atta-daal scheme at subsidised rates, provide ₹1 lakh wedding assistance to poor families, and increase old-age pensions to ₹3,100 per month.

For the youth, Mr Badal promised ₹10 lakh interest-free loans repayable over ten years, reservation in higher education, and a policy mandating 75 per cent employment for Punjabi youth in new industries. He also vowed strict action against gangsters and drug networks, including stricter bail laws and confiscation of their properties.

He further announced the revival of the World Kabaddi Cup, introduction of a new Kushti Cup, promotion of traditional livestock fairs, construction of a racecourse for Marwari horses, and encouragement of kabootar baazi.

Earlier, Guriqbal Singh Mahal highlighted local issues, including strengthening the Dhussi bundh, reopening Government College Ladhupur as a degree college, and improving road connectivity. Senior leaders Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and Youth Akali Dal president Sarabjit Singh Jhinjher also addressed the gathering.