SAD takes to social engineering ahead of 2027 Assembly poll in Punjab
Appoints 15 Christians and 19 Muslims as halka pradhans
The Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has adhered to social engineering to tackle its breakaway faction SAD (Punar Surjit) and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh’s outfit Akali Dal Waris Punjab De, which are trying to penetrate into its politically conservative Sikh voter base.
In the first such move, Sukhbir has announced the appointment of assembly heads from the Christian and Muslim communities across Punjab. A total of 15 Christians and 19 Muslims have been named “halka pradhans”, with more appointments expected soon.
Daljit Singh Cheema, secretary of SAD, said the Christian and Muslim community had rendered great services to the society and inclusion of minority shows the constructive ideology of the SAD.
Other than assembly chiefs, organisational committees of the Christian and Muslim communities would also be formed, he said.
The development has taken place at a time when the regional party is still battling the 2015 sacrilege and firing incidents, with Sukhbir last appearing before the special investigation team (SIT) in July.
Sukhbir, who was attacked with a kirpan by a Nihang at Nanded gurdwara in Maharashtra on August 13 and had to undergo surgery, is still recuperating.
Meanwhile, Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) chief Giani Harpreet Singh has extended support to the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha and backed their protest on August 15 and the Punjab Bandh call on August 21.
*Box (AAP’s religious outreach)
After launching Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, AAP has moved towards religious and cultural outreach ahead of the 2027 Assembly poll
From organising “Hamare Ram” and “Ek Shaam Shiv Ke Naam” to a documentary on Guru Ravidas, AAP is actively engaging with diverse communities
Recently, CM Bhagwant Mann met the Governor to press for parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara, signalling a mix of religious symbolism and political manoeuvring
*Box (Caste-based mobilisation by BJP)
The appointment of Kewal Singh Dhillon as Punjab BJP chief and Manpreet Singh Badal as national vice-president has shown caste-based mobilisation by the BJP.
