Service, sincerity must return to politics, says SAD candidate

Campaign Trail

For the past four months, ex-principal Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa has been on a vigorous campaign across the constituency, reaching out to voters with the message of restoring dignity to Punjab's politics. She was the first whose name was declared as candidate by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for the upcoming Tarn Taran Vidhan Sabha by-election.

A former educationist, Randhawa earlier led her group to victory in the Tarn Taran Municipal Council elections and later merged her faction with the SAD. She also remained associated with the Dharmi Fauji movement.

Her political experience at the grassroots level, she said, has strengthened her commitment to serve the people of Tarn Taran.

She starts her day early, meets party workers and plans for the day. During the past four months, Randhawa has covered over 40 villages and 15 wards of Tarn Taran town, conducting door-to-door campaigns and holding street corner meetings (Nukkad Sabha). Her day begins early, by interacting with villagers to understand their issues first-hand.

Speaking at an election rally in Thathi village on Wednesday, Randhawa said that Punjab urgently needs a strong "Panthic Party" to safeguard the interests of the Panth and the state. She said Punjabis had often been denied their due respect despite their sacrifices for the nation's unity and security.

She emphasised the need for greater participation of women in politics, saying that it was time to work actively for women's rights and empowerment. Randhawa also pledged to take up the issues of farmers, government employees and marginalised sections of society, alleging that many had been deprived of justice and even basic ration in recent years.

Recalling her association with the Dharmi Fauji movement, she said her husband had gone underground during Operation Bluestar, an experience that inspired her lifelong commitment to public service.

During her campaign, Randhawa has been seen sharing langar with villagers, underscoring her belief in community service and connection with the people. She said her focus remained on the welfare of the downtrodden and neglected sections.

"Politics must return to sincerity and service," she said. "My mission is to raise my voice for those who have been denied justice and dignity" she added.