Did Akali Dal Secure the Second Position in Rural Elections, According to Sukhbir Badal?
Synopsis
In a recent announcement, Sukhbir Badal of Shiromani Akali Dal claimed that the party ranked second in Punjab's rural elections, outperforming Congress in strike rates despite contesting fewer seats. Discover the implications of this political landscape.
Key Takeaways
SAD claimed second place in rural elections.
Better strike rate than Congress despite fewer contested seats.
Allegations of unfair practices by AAP.
SAD won significant seats in Muktsar and Bathinda .
Political dynamics in Punjab are shifting.
Chandigarh, Dec 19 (NationPress) Sukhbir Badal, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), declared on Friday that the party achieved the second position in the Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections in Punjab. He emphasized that SAD had a superior overall strike rate compared to the Congress, despite contesting 673 fewer seats due to the widespread rejection of its candidates' nomination papers.
At his residence in Badal village, Badal recognized party in-charge for Muktsar, Kanwarjit Singh Barkandi, along with all the successful candidates from the Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections. He noted that the maximum rejections of SAD candidatures occurred in these elections, driven by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's fear of the Akali Dal.
According to a statement from Badal, “The Aam Aadmi Party managed to have 351 of its candidates elected unopposed out of a total of 2,838 Block Samiti seats through unfair practices. They also succeeded in rejecting 1,024 SAD nomination papers on dubious grounds or by outright tearing them.”
In the Block Samitis, the Akali Dal secured 445 seats out of 1,814, showcasing a significantly better strike rate than Congress, which contested 2,487 seats.
Discussing the substantial wins in Bathinda, Muktsar, and Faridkot, Badal expressed confidence that the party would elect its candidates as Zila Parishad Chairpersons in these districts.
He added that the party is poised to elect its candidates as Chairpersons in approximately 15 constituencies, including the Mansa Block Samiti, where an Independent candidate, Raswinder Singh from Chakriya village, has joined the party, boosting its strength to 13 in a 25-member House.
Congratulating the Muktsar assembly team for their impressive electoral success, Badal noted that SAD candidates won both Zila Parishad seats and 17 out of 20 Block Samiti seats in the Muktsar Sahib constituency.
Furthermore, he highlighted that nearly a dozen senior AAP leaders, including ministers and MLAs, failed to secure victories in their home Block Samiti elections.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain objective while reporting on the political developments in Punjab. The claims made by Sukhbir Badal highlight the ongoing political rivalry and the electoral strategies of significant parties like SAD, Congress, and AAP. Observing the implications of these results will keep the public informed and engaged.
NationPress
4 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of SAD's performance in the elections?
SAD's performance indicates its resilience in Punjab's political landscape, suggesting it remains a formidable player despite challenges.
How did the AAP influence the election results?
AAP's alleged unfair practices, including the rejection of SAD candidates' nominations, raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
What does this mean for Congress?
The results could signal Congress's diminishing influence in Punjab, as SAD outperformed them in strike rates despite fewer candidates.
