How Can Ludhiana Bypoll Strengthen the Regional Party?

Ludhiana, June 12 (NationPress) Sukhbir Badal, the President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), on Thursday urged residents of the Ludhiana West Assembly constituency to bolster the regional party to facilitate comprehensive development, alongside fostering peace and communal harmony in Punjab.

While campaigning for party candidate Parupkar Singh Ghumman, Badal stated that "only a regional party can meet the expectations of Punjabis, address unresolved issues, and ensure governance that prioritizes the public. Parties from Delhi merely seek to exploit Punjab's resources."

He criticized both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the previous Congress administration, likening their actions to the East India Company, claiming, "They have both plundered Punjab to benefit their Delhi leadership."

Badal asserted that Punjabis have already squandered eight years, declaring that the Ludhiana West by-election presents a chance to hold the AAP government accountable and initiate its downfall.

He noted that Punjab has never faced such adversity as it has under AAP governance.

"The law and order situation is dire, resulting in businesses choosing to invest in other states. Extortion and targeted killings have become commonplace. AAP legislators are allegedly colluding with the drug mafia, leading to a surge in drug trafficking and overdose fatalities," he added.

Encouraging people to compare the current scenario with the tenure of the Akali Dal, Badal remarked, "Our guiding principle is ‘sarbat da bhala’. We respect and value every community. The late Parkash Singh Badal was regarded as one of their own by all communities, which reflects the confidence they had in him and SAD."

He highlighted SAD's proven history of delivering significant development. "Observe your surroundings. All major development projects, including thermal plants, airports, and expressways, have been established under SAD administrations. The same applies to all significant infrastructure projects in Ludhiana, like the elevated road and southern bypass."

Badal urged voters to carefully consider all candidates before casting their votes.

"Parupkar Ghumman is a distinguished advocate known for his numerous social initiatives. He truly deserves your support. In stark contrast, AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora is based in Gurugram and is only running to facilitate Arvind Kejriwal's rise to the Rajya Sabha," he asserted.

The by-election for the Ludhiana West assembly seat is scheduled for June 19, with vote counting on June 23. This seat became vacant following the passing of AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi in January.