Amritsar
4 February 2024
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a bid to address the alleged failures of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) commenced the ‘Punjab Bachao Yatra’ from the Attari border. The second day of the yatra witnessed a procession through the villages of Ajnala and Majitha constituencies, where SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal criticized the state government, claiming it has faltered on every front.
Addressing a gathering in Ajnala constituency, Badal asserted that the people of Punjab are taking to the streets daily to voice their demands against the government’s inefficiencies. Former minister Bikram Singh Majithia, requesting support for Shiromani Committee member Jodh Singh Samra, announced Samra’s candidacy in the 2027 assembly election from the Ajnala constituency.
The ‘Punjab Bachao Yatra’ serves as a platform for SAD leaders to highlight what they perceive as the shortcomings of the AAP administration. The yatra has become a focal point for Akali workers, who convened in large numbers in Ajnala constituency. Badal expressed contentment at the gathering organized by Jodh Singh Samra, emphasizing the need for unity against the perceived government flaws.
During various addresses in different locations, Sukhbir Singh Badal continued to elucidate the alleged flaws of the government. Notably, social worker Virinder Sharma extended a warm welcome to the city for the SAD leaders and honored President Sukhbir Singh Badal, former Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, and Jodh Singh Samra.
However, not all members within the SAD seem to align completely with the party’s strategies. Shiromani Committee member Kiranjot Kaur, without explicitly referencing the ongoing yatra, shared her perspective on social media. Kaur emphasized that the challenges faced by Punjab cannot be resolved merely through slogans and marches. She suggested a more comprehensive approach, advocating for expert opinions from various fields to formulate a concrete program and future plan.
As the ‘Punjab Bachao Yatra’ gains momentum, the political landscape in Punjab becomes more charged with the SAD positioning itself as the voice of dissent against the AAP government. The upcoming 2027 assembly election in Ajnala constituency, with Jodh Singh Samra as the SAD candidate, adds a layer of anticipation to the political narrative, setting the stage for a closely watched contest.