SAD fights for survival as Sukhbir camps in city to lure voters

The bypoll in the Ludhiana West constituency will test the strength of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which struggles to survive and reclaim its lost significance in the state politics.

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Senior Akali leaders acknowledge that the SAD faces a crucial moment. A victory or big number of votes in its kitty in the bypoll would serve as a stepping stone for the party and indicate its prospects in the upcoming election. The party has faced rebellion, besides religious punishment served on its top leaders in the past one year.

Since the SAD announced advocate Parupkar Singh Ghuman as its candidate for the bypoll, party president Sukhbir Singh Badal has been camping in the city. He has been holding extensive indoor meetings, directly engaging with grassroots workers and party cadre to mobilise support. The party also aims to consolidate Sikh votes in its favour.

The SAD chief is meeting industry representatives and other influential organisations to garner support. On Monday, prominent industrialist Onkar Singh Pahwa met him.

The SAD never contested alone in the West constituency before 2022, when it severed ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Previously, it secured victory in alliance with the BJP in 1997 and 2007. After 2012, Congress leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu won the seat twice. In 2022, after breaking ties with the BJP, the Akali Dal fielded Maheshinder Grewal but he finished fourth and even lost his security deposit.

Party insiders revealed that round-the-clock booth-level meetings were underway, with leaders from other constituencies assisting in the Ludhiana West campaign. SAD leaders were rigorously conducting door-to-door canvassing while Ghuman was personally engaging with voters through separate outreach efforts.

A senior SAD leader believes Sukhbir’s consistent presence in the constituency has boosted the morale of party workers, giving SAD an edge in the bypoll. Sukhbir personally oversees the campaign and guides the workers at every step.

Meanwhile, candidates from the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress have plastered the constituency with political hoardings, featuring catchy slogans to attract voters. In contrast, the SAD has taken a subtler approach, opting for direct one-on-one interactions with the electorate under the leadership of Sukhbir.