Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia took a sharp dig at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday, claiming he has been reduced to nothing more than a “rubber stamp”. His remarks came after AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal publicly announced that Sanjeev Arora, the party’s candidate in the Ludhiana West bypoll, would be made a minister if he wins.
Addressing a press conference alongside senior SAD leader Sikandar Singh Maluka, Majithia welcomed Maluka’s return to active politics and said it reflected the growing sentiment among Akali leaders to come together for Punjab’s cause. “It’s a sign that leaders are answering the public’s call to unite and speak out for the future of the state,” he said.
Majithia criticised the Aam Aadmi Party, saying the “Delhi model” had failed to deliver in Punjab. “Punjabis have realised that AAP brought nothing new to the table. The state is now on the brink of a financial emergency. The government is pulling back funds from departments just to avoid loan defaults, stalling development works completely,” he claimed.
He also accused the AAP government of betraying various sections of society, without fulfilling the promises it made before coming to power.
In a major boost to the SAD campaign in Ludhiana West, the Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle—a well-respected Sikh intellectual and educational body—extended its support to SAD candidate Parupkar Singh Ghuman. This followed a meeting held by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal with the Study Circle’s office-bearers.
The meeting also saw the presence of SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami and senior Delhi-based Sikh leader Manjit Singh GK. Members of the Study Circle offered suggestions for strengthening SAD and emphasised the importance of protecting the autonomy of Sikh institutions from political interference.
Sukhbir Badal reaffirmed SAD’s commitment to safeguarding Sikh traditions and institutions, highlighting the party’s long-standing position against any external control over their functioning and management.
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