Congress watches as SAD pushes for opposition front

While Punjab Congress agrees that a strong opposition to NDA is the need of the hour, it cannot back the SAD, which is its main opposition in Punjab.

Punjab Assembly Election 2022: Congress tells ministers to get into poll mode, but defers rallies for now

(File photo)

Amid Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leadership’s meeting with leaders of regional parties with an eye on forging a joint political front, Congress, while watching the developments closely, said that it is not bothered about SAD initiative. Leaders of the party said that the Akalis initiative will never become a reality.

The SAD has started firming up support from regional parties and under the initiative, a delegation led by former MP Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra has already met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray. A meeting with former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav is also lined up.

While Punjab Congress agrees that a strong opposition to NDA is the need of the hour, it cannot back the SAD, which is its main opposition in Punjab.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had strongly opposed AICC’s talks with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for a truck ahead of Lok Sabha elections as AAP is also a stakeholder in Punjab’s politics.

PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar said, “How can they go around talking about a joint front against Centre when their credentials are doubtful? They claim to be the seekers of farmers’ welfare even after they supported the Farm Bills in the Union Cabinet and later went around defending the laws. How do they explain that? Within the Badal family also, they are not united on the issue. There are different voices with the family. Half of them are not even able to call these laws as black laws.”

Suggesting a design in the attempts of SAD for reaching out to regional parties, he added: “Are they trying a shot at segregating the unity? This is happening after Sonia Gandhi had a conference with NCP chief Sharad Pawar. They are still furthering the agenda of the BJP. It seems the BJP is using the same trick through their cronies. Their credentials are a suspect.”

Cabinet Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa backed Jakhar as he mocked at Chandumajra. “Is Chandumajra going to be in SAD? Nobody knows when he will quit the party or he would be thrown out by the SAD leadership. May be, he is going around meeting regional parties to safeguard his future. Congress has nothing to worry. Everybody knows what SAD is,” he said.

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Chandumajra has been saying that all the regional parties have been feeling that the need to get together against the dictatorial attitude of the BJP. “This is the need of the hour to ward off the attack on the federal structure. Also, there is no strong opposition and the need to have a joint front has been felt by the regional parties,” he added.

The senior SAD leader had met leaders of Biju Janta Dal too few days ago. There have been indications that a joint statement on the current scenario prevailing in the country is likely, soon.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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