Since the India-Canada diplomatic row began last week, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) — once Punjab’s ruling party but now reduced to just three seats in the Assembly — has been raising the issue of how such a standoff can affect Punjabis in both countries and calling for a de-escalation. In an interview, former Education Minister and SAD spokesperson Daljeet Singh Cheema discusses the diplomatic row, the arrest of a Congress MLA, and the AAP government. Excerpts: After winning only three seats in 2022, what is the SAD doing now to connect with the masses? We are actively reaching out to the public through various programmes. Our youth wing is organising meetings to engage with young voters. Their feedback highlights a growing disillusionment with the government. Voters are beginning to appreciate the services they once enjoyed during the chief ministerial tenure of the late Parkash Singh Badal. The morale of our workers is on the rise, and they are addressing issues within their villages, wards and towns, offering a clear evaluation of the AAP government’s performance. How prepared is the party for the Lok Sabha polls? We are fully prepared for all coming elections, whether for local bodies, panchayats or events Lok Sabha. We are appointing dedicated teams to engage with the public in an organised manner. What is your take on the diplomatic standoff between India and Canada? Both nations are friendly and should resolve their issues through diplomatic dialogue rather than issuing statements. Statements by Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and India's reactions have created confusion among the Punjabi community in both India and Canada. Visa restrictions have caused problems, with many Punjabi NRIs cancelling their visits to Punjab this winter. This has led to postponed weddings and economic repercussions for the state, which relies heavily on NRI visits during winter. Parents are uncertain about sending their children abroad on student visas. I hope both countries can diplomatically resolve these issues as uncertainty looms over the citizens of both nations. What are your thoughts on the Khalistani separatist forces in Canada? These matters should be discussed at the government level. Regarding extremists, it is important to note that they are a minority while the Punjabi community, regardless of religion, largely lives in harmony in both Canada and India. Governments must handle such issues with maturity. We are always advocates for peace and brotherhood. Still, it is crucial to address the negative portrayal of Sikhs by certain elements. Punjab is a peaceful state where people from all religions coexist harmoniously, prioritising Punjabiyat. The demands of a small group of extremists should not be blown out of proportion and politicians should act responsibly. How has the AAP government's performance been? People have realised that they have been deceived and will respond in the Lok Sabha polls. The government appears to be primarily focused on political vendetta. A recent example is the arrest of sitting Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, arrested from his Chandigarh residence in connection with an eight-year-old Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act case even though the Supreme Court quashed the summoning orders a few months ago. This government seems to be fixated on political vendetta, one after another. They need to understand that vendetta doesn't lead to progress. I recall a time when the Congress, during their previous rule, falsely implicated SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia in a drug case and detained him for seven months without cause. At the time, we condemned such vendetta politics. Now, the Congress is facing similar circumstances. If a sitting MLA can be arrested in an eight-year-old case, one can only imagine the fate of the common citizen. Our state appears to be lacking the rule of law. I strongly denounce this kind of vendetta politics, it must be stopped. Any possibilities of an alliance with the BJP? There have been no discussions on this topic. Hence, practically speaking, no such alliance in the future.
