SAD chief condemns Central agencies for role in SGPC poll

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday hailed the re-election of Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami as President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for a fifth consecutive term, calling it a victory of the Khalsa Panth over central forces.

While campaigning for party candidate principal Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa in the region, Badal criticised attempts by leaders aligned with central agencies to take control of the SGPC through their supporters. “I congratulate the SGPC members who united to defeat this conspiracy and ensured a historic victory for Advocate Dhami in the elections to the super parliament of the Khalsa Panth,” he said.

Earlier, addressing a large public meeting at Chahal village, Sukhbir Badal lashed out at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of plunging the state into lawlessness. He pointed to the rising number of targeted killings, including the recent murder of a Kabaddi player in Jagraon and the killing of a youth by gangsters in Batala. “Targeted killings are happening every day. Despite this, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has failed to take effective action to curb the growing influence of gangsters in the state,” he stated.

Badal challenged the CM to explain what he had done for the people of Punjab during his tenure. “Whenever I ask Bhagwant Mann this question, he gets frustrated,” said Badal. “I challenge him again to tell the people what he has done for farmers, labourers, youth, women or traders. Every section of society has been betrayed by the AAP.”

The SAD president also condemned Punjab Pradesh Congress president for allegedly insulting the hard-working Mazhabi community.

During the course of the day, Sukhbir Singh Badal addressed gatherings in several villages, including Kalas, Sohal, Chabal Kham, and Jhabal Pukhta. He welcomed Ramneek Singh Khera and his followers into the SAD fold.

Badal was accompanied by several senior party leaders, including Sikander Singh Maluka, NK Sharma, Lakhbir Singh Lodhinangal, Dr Daljit Cheema, Satnam Singh Rahi, Nath Hamidi, Surjit Singh Garhi, Bhupinder Singh Bhinda and Ranjit Singh Dhillon.