Chandigarh, Feb 17 (NationPress) Launching the initial phase of the election drive for the 2027 Assembly elections, Sukhbir Badal, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), on Tuesday pledged to prioritize the welfare of farmers and marginalized groups. He promised interest-free loans of Rs 10 lakh for the youth, exclusive government job opportunities for Punjabis, and a decisive action against gangster culture and drug trafficking.

Badal also accused Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, of corruption, claiming he acquired 2,500 acres of land in Australia and is poised to compromise the state's water rights.

“The file initiated by the Central government against Bhagwant Mann has compelled him to alter his stance regarding the transfer of water to Haryana through the SYL canal. Let me clarify: We are prepared to shed blood, but we will not permit even a drop of SYL (Sutlej-Yamuna Link) canal water to leave our state,” he emphasized.

He highlighted that Punjab suffers due to the Aam Aadmi Party's silence on state issues at the Centre.

“This is the fate of any party that auctions its Rajya Sabha seats to the highest bidder,” he remarked, noting AAP's dealings with wealthy individuals like Rajinder Gupta and Ashok Mittal.

Indicating a political upheaval, Badal stated that a storm is brewing, which will escalate into a tsunami in 40 days, referencing the party's record of 40 consecutive rallies leading to Baisakhi. He expressed his gratitude to the Akali party members and the thousands of Punjabis who gathered to initiate the Punjab Bachao-Sukhbir Singh Badal Liyao campaign in Qadian, Gurdaspur district.

“This rally signifies that the people of Punjab are eager for SAD's return in 2027 and seek to deal a significant defeat to all parties based in Delhi,” he stated.

Outlining the party's proposals, Badal said, “Grant me five years, and I will guide Punjab back to an era of peace, progress, and prosperity.

He outlined several commitments for the populace, stating that farmers would receive tubewell connections within a week of forming the next SAD government.

He also announced plans for ‘pucca bundhs’ on rivers to mitigate flood risks, guaranteed land rights for those previously denied, and facilitated the free division of jointly owned land.

Badal criticized both Congress and AAP for reducing and now denying social welfare benefits to the disadvantaged, asserting, “We are dedicated to enhancing all social welfare initiatives initiated by Parkash Singh Badal and launching new schemes for the underprivileged.”

The atta-daal scheme will be reinstated, with atta priced at Rs 4 per kg and daal at Rs 20 per kg. Additionally, a Rs 1 lakh assistance for weddings will be provided to low-income families, and the old-age pension will be increased to Rs 3,100 monthly.

He stated that new jobs and opportunities will be created for youth, mandating that 75% of new hires in industries must be Punjabi. Furthermore, all government positions will be reserved for Punjabis.

Moreover, he declared that a Rs 10 lakh interest-free loan would be available for the youth, repayable over ten years. The next SAD government will also ensure 50% reservation for students from meritorious schools in both government and private engineering and medical colleges.