Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing it of politicising religion and targeting political opponents through “vindictive tactics”.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Sector 28, Chandigarh, Badal alleged that former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh was currently working like an AAP functionary and, in the process, hurting the dignity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal seat of the Sikh community.
Issuing a direct challenge to the Punjab government, Badal said religion should not be used for political purposes. “If the government has the courage, it should act directly against me. I am not afraid of such political intimidation,” he said.
The SAD chief also accused the Bhagwant Mann government of misleading farmers on issues related to canal water management. He expressed concern over the rising water level in the Bhakra dam and alleged that the state government was once again failing to take timely preventive measures.
Badal further condemned the alleged use of force against members of the Apprentice Linemen Union, who have been staging protests over their demands. He said the government’s actions had exposed the gap between its claims and its treatment of protesting youth.
Claiming that the Shiromani Akali Dal was receiving growing public support across Punjab, Badal alleged that AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal was uneasy over the party’s resurgence. He accused the ruling party of adopting political strategies aimed at weakening the Akali Dal ahead of future electoral contests.
The remarks come amid ongoing political tensions in Punjab over the Behbal Kalan firing case and other issues involving the state government and opposition parties.
