Sukhbir Badal Pledges Life for ‘Panth’ at Maghi Mela
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Synopsis
Sukhbir Badal, during the Maghi Mela, called upon Punjabis to reunite with the SAD and expressed his willingness to sacrifice his life for the community and peace, while condemning divisive politics.
Key Takeaways
- Sukhbir Badal calls for unity within the SAD.
- Expresses readiness to sacrifice for Punjab and the Khalsa Panth.
- Warns against communal divisiveness.
- Calls for accountability among political leaders.
- Stresses the importance of youth welfare and peace.
Muktsar (Punjab), Jan 14 (NationPress) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal urged the people of Punjab on Tuesday to bolster his party by rejoining its ranks, as he declared his readiness to sacrifice his life for the ‘panth’ (community) and peace.
Speaking at the Maghi Mela, Badal reflected on history to encourage people to trust the Akali Dal once more, akin to the welcome given to the 40 Mukta at this significant location.
"Currently, it is vital to strengthen our ‘kaum’, and the SAD is the only party that can achieve this. I pledge that, like the late Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, I will do everything within my power for the welfare of our people. If it requires my sacrifice, I will do it for Punjab, Punjabiyat, and the Khalsa Panth," he stated.
In a deeply moving address, Badal warned the ‘panth’ and Punjab against the politics of communal strife and the bloodshed of Punjabi youth, affirming that he would steadfastly pursue the path of peace and communal harmony laid out by the great gurus, saints, and seers.
He reiterated that he had taken full responsibility on behalf of the party, allowing the state's populace to advance towards a future filled with hope, peace, and prosperity for the youth.
“The alternative agenda pushed by some self-styled Panthic groups aims to drag the state, particularly its youth, back into a cycle of fratricidal violence and the unjust elimination of Sikh youth through fake encounters.”
He also pointed out that a faction leader, who recently opened a political shop, had initiated a campaign against drugs, while a family member of his was caught with drugs.
“They have also engaged in murders in their locality. They aim to incite the youth and stir up trouble for their selfish motives. We desire to protect the future generation, not endanger it,” he expressed.
Badal requested the public to hold him accountable if his father had made any mistakes.
While addressing the crowd, the Akali leader mentioned that a concerted attack had been launched against Parkash Singh Badal and subsequently against him.
"The goal was straightforward - to eradicate the SAD and the Badal family."
Sukhbir Badal questioned the people if the former Chief Minister, who had served them for 70 years, had committed any sins, asserting that the only 'sin' Parkash Singh Badal had committed was enduring 18 years in jail for the people of the state, protesting against the infamous Emergency, and advocating for the establishment of a Punjabi ‘suba’.
Confident that his family members are true Sikhs, Badal declared that “the Prakash of Guru Maharaj shines in our homes, and our children perform ‘ardas’ before leaving the house.”
He elaborated on his decision to take responsibility for all perceived wrongdoings attributed to him by the rebel Akali faction, even though he had answers to all accusations.
"My rationale was that if this could mitigate the onslaught against the SAD by anti-panthic forces, then so be it. However, these forces were still dissatisfied with my concession. Their next aim was to eliminate me, and I narrowly escaped due to divine grace,” he added.
The Maghi festival honors the martyrdom of 40 Sikh warriors who fought alongside the tenth and final Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh.
