Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has launched a scathing attack on MP Amritpal Singh, labeling him a 'stooge' of Delhi-based parties and warning of a resurgence of forces that destroyed Punjab in the 1980s.

  • SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal accused Amritpal Singh of being a puppet for Delhi-based political entities.
  • Badal questioned Amritpal's transition from a clean-shaven youth in Dubai to the 'Waris' of Punjab.
  • The attack focuses on the alleged resurgence of anti-Punjab forces under the guise of religious devotion.
  • Badal criticized the AAP and Congress governments for the rise in sacrilege cases.

In a high-stakes political confrontation, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday launched a fierce verbal assault on Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh. Speaking at the second phase of the 'Punjab Bachao' campaign in Malaut, Badal alleged that the same forces responsible for the unrest in Punjab during the 1980s have resurfaced, now operating under the mantle of devout Sikhism.

Badal invoked the history of violence in the state, specifically mentioning the assassinations of former SAD president Sant Harchand Singh Longowal and leader Bhai Shaminder Singh. He warned the public that these elements, who once targeted leaders like Gurcharan Singh Tohra, are attempting to establish a 'gunda raj' (rule of thugs) by looting homes and religious institutions. He urged the community to unite against those adopting new identities to mask their true intentions.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this rhetoric marks a significant escalation in the struggle for Punjab's political identity. By linking Amritpal Singh to 'Delhi-based parties,' Badal is attempting to frame the regional struggle as a defense of Punjab's sovereignty against central interference, a narrative that resonates deeply with the state's electorate.

Badal's strategy is to delegitimize the 'Waris Punjab De' movement by questioning the personal history and religious adherence of its leader.

The SAD chief specifically targeted Amritpal Singh's background, questioning how a person who arrived from Dubai as a clean-shaven youth could be a trusted leader for the Sikh community. Badal accused him of violating the Sikh 'rehat maryada' (code of conduct) and using the Guru Granth Sahib as a political shield during protests. Furthermore, he pointed toward alleged links between Amritpal and the conspiracy surrounding the murder of activist Gurpreet Singh Harinau.

Expanding his criticism, Badal took aim at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Congress party. He claimed that while the SAD has consistently fought for religious sanctity, the current administration has failed to prevent the rise of sacrilege cases, which he stated have reached 600 under the Congress and AAP governments. He contrasted this with the previous Akali government's work in beautifying Sri Darbar Sahib and establishing memorials like Virasat-e-Khalsa.

Did You Know?: This public address was Sukhbir Singh Badal's first major rally following a physical attack on him in Nanded, Maharashtra, where he sustained injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the 'Punjab Bachao' campaign?
It is a political campaign launched by the Shiromani Akali Dal to mobilize support against perceived threats to Punjab's stability and religious identity.

2. Why did Sukhbir Singh Badal mention Dubai?
He mentioned Dubai to cast doubt on the authenticity and long-standing religious roots of Amritpal Singh, suggesting a sudden reinvention of identity.