‘Save Punjab’: Badal makes first public speech after religious punishment

“Akali Dal has never committed sacrilege, but false allegations were spread against us. Despite doing nothing wrong, I bowed my head to end the matter, as I regard the Akal Takht as the supreme authority,” he said, urging the Akalis to unite and strengthen the party

Looking ahead to the 2027 assembly elections, he said, “Only two years are left for the next elections. We must prepare to save Punjab. All Taksali Akalis should attend the January 14 conference and commit to the cause.”

The Maghi Mela political conference is scheduled for January 14 at the SGPC grounds in Muktsar.

Criticising Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh’s father and his supporters for forming a new party, Sukhbir questioned their respect for the Akal Takht. He also targeted Congress leader Amrinder Singh Raja Warring for his past statements against the Takht, asserting, “For me, the Akal Takht is supreme, and its dignity must be upheld.”

He also criticised Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, who is son of Indira Gandhi’s assassin Beant Singh, accusing him of political opportunism. “Politics is a mere shop for them. They don’t understand the sacrifices of Badal sahib (Parkash Singh Badal), who spent years in jail for Punjab.”

Attacking the AAP government, Sukhbir blamed it for rising lawlessness and gangster activity, saying, “Law and order have deteriorated. People must not repeat the mistake of electing AAP in 2027.”

A party worker, who attended the meeting, said Sukhbir appeared in high spirits during the Monday’s event. “The way he addressed workers shows that he is back in form.”

When contacted, SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema said the working committee meeting would be called soon. However, rebel leaders from the dissolved Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar criticised the party for not implementing the Akal Takht’s directions.

Charanjit Singh Brar of the rebel faction said, “The SAD leadership is testing the patience of the Sikh community by disregarding the Akal Takht’s orders. While we dissolved our faction to promote unity, we will now hold a meeting on January 8 in Patiala’s Rakhra village to decide the future course.”

Meanwhile, late on Monday, Sukhbir posted on X: “An impression is being created that the Akali Dal is finished. This is furthest from truth. And we will prove it by holding the biggest Akali conference on the occasion of Maghi Mela at Muktsar Sahib. Cadre of this area were always close to Parkash Badal’s heart. These are the people who have maintained a relationship with the SAD across generations. These are the people who will make the party’s conference a huge success.”