Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Badal has strongly criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), saying that ਪੰਜਾਬ is being controlled by Delhi leaders instead of its own ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ. He claimed that Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Satyendar Jain are running the state, while CM Bhagwant Mann is just a puppet.
Badal questioned why Sisodia and Jain, who have no official role in ਪੰਜਾਬ, were holding meetings with state officials. He alleged that these leaders are looting the state as they know they have only one and a half years left in power.
Speaking at a press conference in Ludhiana, Badal also praised the Indian Army for defending ਪੰਜਾਬ during the recent ਭਾਰਤ-Pakistan war. He said ਪੰਜਾਬ faced more attacks than other states, but the Army’s advanced air defence system successfully protected the region.
He mentioned that the Golden Temple was one of the main targets of the Pakistan Army, but the attack was stopped by the defence system. Though he was unaware of the SGPC’s statement due to being abroad, he appreciated the Army’s bravery.
Sukhbir also accused AAP of planning to earn crores through fake land acquisition plans, affecting farmers, traders, and businessmen. He held a private meeting with local SAD leaders, including West Ludhiana candidate Parupkar Singh Ghuman.
When asked about possible future alliances, Sukhbir said SAD is open to teaming up with any party that supports the rights of ਪੰਜਾਬ and its ਲੋਕ. However, he did not name any specific party.
