Can Regional Parties Secure Power Again? Akali Dal Chief Speaks Out

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Call for unity among farmers and the poor to support regional parties.
- Criticism of national parties for their lack of support during crises.
- Highlighting the importance of regional leadership in safeguarding agricultural interests.
- Reflecting on the legacy of Chaudhary Devi Lal and its relevance today.
- Encouragement to reinforce bonds between Punjab and Haryana.
Rohtak, Sep 25 (NationPress) Sukhbir Badal, the President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), on Thursday urged the public to restore power to regional parties, claiming they are the only ones equipped to safeguard the interests of farmers and the underprivileged.
During a public event called the Samman Rally held in honor of the 112th birth anniversary of former Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal, Badal criticized national parties for their lack of concern for the welfare of the agricultural community and the disadvantaged.
“They foster divisions based on religion and caste. It’s time for the farmers and poor to unite and commit to supporting the Indian National Lok Dal in Haryana to ensure the protection of their rights,” he declared.
The rally in Rohtak, a stronghold of former Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Hooda, was attended by notable figures, including Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, K. Kavitha, a lawmaker from Telangana and daughter of the first Chief Minister of Telangana, K. Chandrashekar Rao, and Congress leader Sampat Singh.
Referencing Punjab, Badal remarked, “In 2022, Punjabis chose to experiment with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The outcomes are evident. During the floods, neither the AAP government nor the Centre extended assistance to Punjabis, leaving them to struggle alone.”
He urged the audience to cease experimenting and to place their trust in regional parties, stating, “Our focus is on the development of rural areas, while national parties prioritize the interests of industrialists and neglect the needs of struggling farmers.”
Emphasizing that INLD President Abhay Singh Chautala is the genuine representative of the farmers and poor, Badal remarked, “He embodies the true legacy of Chaudhary Devi Lal.”
He also highlighted the unique relationship between Chaudhary Devi Lal and his late father, Parkash Singh Badal, stating that their bond was akin to that of brothers, further strengthening the ties between Punjabis and the people of Haryana.
“Let’s reinforce this connection even more in the future,” he added.
This rally marked the first time the INLD hosted an event without its leader and former Chief Minister, Om Prakash Chautala, who passed away last December.