Chandigarh, July 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday unveiled a series of political and organisational initiatives ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, including the constitution of a committee to draft the party’s election manifesto, which it said would be treated as a “legal document” and implemented immediately after assuming office.
The decisions were taken during separate meetings of the party’s Core Committee and constituency in-charges, chaired by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Addressing the media, senior SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said the party would constitute a dedicated Manifesto Committee to prepare the election document, adding that the manifesto would not remain a mere political promise but would be implemented in the first Cabinet meeting if the party forms the next government.
Charge Sheet Against AAP Government
The SAD also decided to prepare a detailed charge sheet against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, alleging large-scale misgovernance, financial mismanagement, deterioration of law and order and damage to Punjab’s economy during its tenure.
According to the party, the document will highlight what it described as the AAP government’s failures in governance and administration and will be taken before the people ahead of the Assembly elections.
‘Apna Punjab Aap Bachaiya’ Campaign
The party also announced the launch of ‘Apna Punjab Aap Bachaiya’, a statewide campaign focusing on flood preparedness and protection in vulnerable areas.
Dr Cheema said party leaders had informed the SAD president that despite the devastating floods witnessed in Punjab last year, the state government had failed to undertake adequate flood protection works or compensate farmers for crop losses.
He said Sukhbir Badal would personally visit flood-prone constituencies, interact with affected residents and oversee flood protection initiatives wherever required.
The campaign will begin on July 18, followed by an intensive outreach programme from July 21 to 23.
Support for Religious Awareness Campaign
The SAD also announced its participation in a programme being organised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) under the guidance of the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
According to the party, the campaign aims to raise awareness about what it described as religious offences committed by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, including allegations relating to sacrilege.
The ‘Vaheer’ is scheduled to commence from Sri Akal Takht Sahib on July 24 and proceed to Sri Talwandi Sabo before concluding at Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Sukhbir Badal to Appear Before SIT
Responding to a media query, SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler confirmed that Sukhbir Singh Badal would appear before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on July 20 in connection with the Behbal Kalan firing case.
Kler alleged that the investigation was politically motivated and claimed that Sukhbir Badal had no role in the firing incident, asserting that he was not in the country at the time of the incident.
Party to Hold Commemorative Events
The SAD leadership also resolved to constitute committees to organise major public events marking the sacrifice of Goa Liberation martyr Karnail Singh Isru on August 15, the martyrdom anniversary of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal on August 20, and the annual Rakhar Punnya gathering at Baba Bakala on August 28.
PM Urged to Announce Relief Measures
The party appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce the reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor and the Attari-Wagah border during his forthcoming visit to Punjab.
It also urged the Centre to announce a special financial package for Punjab, citing the state’s economic and developmental challenges.
Criticism of Punjab Government
The SAD condemned the police action against MNREGA workers and staff who were protesting outside the residence of Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, alleging that peaceful protesters chanting religious hymns were subjected to tear gas and force.
The party also criticised the AAP government over the ongoing strike by sanitation workers, claiming the government had failed to honour assurances made before municipal elections regarding their demands.
SAD alleged that the government would be responsible for any public health crisis arising from the continued sanitation workers’ agitation.
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