Synopsis
Sukhbir Badal, President of SAD, is determined to bring the party back to power in 2027, promising an end to gangsters and drug smugglers while ensuring government jobs exclusively for Punjabis. He emphasizes social welfare and unity among the Akalis.Key Takeaways
- Government jobs for Punjabis
- Commitment to social welfare
- Reintroduction of ‘aata daal’ scheme
- Unity in the Panth
- Rescue Punjab from Congress and AAP
Talwandi Sabo (Punjab), April 13 (NationPress) Sukhbir Badal, the President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), announced on Sunday that the party's members are determined to reclaim power in 2027. He emphasized that once in power, the state will be free of gangsters and drug traffickers, while ensuring government jobs exclusively for Punjabis.
Speaking at a Baisakhi event, Badal stated, “I am dedicated to making Punjab the leading state in the nation. My focus is on enhancing social welfare programs and providing assistance to the underprivileged. I am also committed to protecting the rights of Punjabis.”
He further mentioned that SAD plans to reinstate the ‘aata daal’ scheme, double the old-age pension and ‘shagun’ schemes, and introduce legislation to prevent outsiders from acquiring agricultural land in Punjab.
Badal called for unity among the Panth, urging all Akalis to reunite for the benefit of Punjab, Punjabi culture, and the Khalsa Panth.
“It is time to rescue Punjab from the clutches of the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which have exploited it. Trust in SAD, a party that has consistently fulfilled its commitments,” Badal asserted. He also addressed alleged plots aimed at undermining the party and damaging the credibility of Sikh organizations.
He noted that the management boards of both Sri Hazur Sahib and Patna Sahib have been expanded to bring them under government oversight. This initiative began after SAD departed from the NDA, and he mentioned that recent efforts have been made to entice the Jathedars of Takhts with security and other incentives.
Referring to Giani Harpreet Singh, he accused former leaders of attempting to tarnish the Panth's reputation instead of uplifting it. “I appreciate the efforts of the Shiromani Committee, which has effectively reclaimed control of the Takht from the Central government, which had forced the Jathedars to oppose the Sikh community.”
Affirming that the Akali Dal is the rightful heir of Punjab, Sukhbir Badal highlighted the party’s role in the rapid development of the state through the establishment of thermal plants, roads, and airports, the enhancement of irrigation systems, the introduction of minimum support prices (MSP) for wheat and paddy, and the implementation of social welfare initiatives like the ‘aata daal’, old-age pension, and Shagun scheme.
