Major Boost: BKU Qadian Backs SAD Ahead of Punjab Polls
Sukhbir Singh Badal welcomes unconditional support from BKU Qadian, calling it a major boost for SAD ahead of the Punjab polls.
In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has received a powerful endorsement from the farming community. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday welcomed the unconditional support extended by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Qadian, describing the move as a "major boost" for the party.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Badal expressed his gratitude to S Harmeet Singh Qadian, the President of BKU Qadian, and his entire team for their faith in the party. This alliance comes at a critical juncture as political parties gear up for the Vidhan Sabha elections, with the farming vote remaining a decisive factor in Punjab's electoral landscape.
Commitment to the Farming Community
While welcoming the support, Sukhbir Singh Badal reaffirmed the SAD's historic relationship with the rural population. He asserted that the Shiromani Akali Dal is the only regional political force that has consistently aligned itself with the interests of cultivators and rural laborers.
Badal urged other Kisan and Mazdoor unions to strengthen the SAD, promising that a party-led government would implement policies to transform agriculture into a profitable profession. He further committed to resolving all pending grievances of farmers and farm laborers across the state.
Grassroots Impact
Adding to the momentum, senior SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema highlighted the strategic importance of this endorsement. Cheema noted that BKU Qadian is a long-established organization with deep-rooted connections at the grassroots level.
"Punjab's economy depends heavily on agriculture. When a farmers' union comes forward and expresses its faith in the Shiromani Akali Dal, it is a matter of great honour and pride for us," Cheema stated.
SAD Slams AAP’s Candidate Selection
While celebrating the BKU endorsement, Sukhbir Singh Badal also launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding its first list of 40 candidates for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Badal accused the ruling party of showing "complete disregard" for the sentiments of the Khalsa Panth.
Specifically, Badal questioned the decision to field Manwinder Singh Giaspura, claiming he had been declared 'tankhaiya' by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He also criticized the nomination of Sanjeev Arora from Ludhiana West, alleging that Arora is currently incarcerated due to a major corruption case.
Badal suggested that by rewarding such individuals with tickets, AAP is signaling a preparation for a tenure of "misrule" that would be even worse than the previous five years.
AAP's Initial Candidate List
The controversy follows AAP's announcement of its first 40 candidates, which includes several high-profile names:
- Bhagwant Mann: Chief Minister, contesting from Dhuri.
- Kultar Singh Sandhwan: Assembly Speaker, contesting from Kotkapura.
- Sanjeev Arora: Minister, contesting from Ludhiana West.
- Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal: Minister, contesting from Ajnala.
- Balkar Singh: Minister, contesting from Kartarpur.
- Jai Krishan Singh Rouri: Minister, contesting from Garhshankar.
- Kulwant Singh: Minister, contesting from S A S Nagar.
- Labh Singh Ugoke: Minister, contesting from Bhadaur.
Other notable names in the list include Amandeep Kaur Arora (Moga), Amansher Singh also known as Shery Kalsi (Batala), Inderbir Singh Nijjar (Amritsar South), Harmeet Singh Sandhu (Tarn Taran), Sarvan Singh Dhun (Khem Karan), and Inderjit Kaur Mann (Nakodar).