‘Punjab Bachao’ is an attempt to mislead people: Baltej Pannu targets Akali Dal

Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu on Tuesday termed the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal)’s new ‘Punjab Bachao’ campaign another attempt to mislead Punjabis, alleging that people have not forgotten the party’s record in government, its support for the three farm laws and its repeated U-turns on sensitive issues concerning Punjab and the Sikh community.

Addressing a press conference, Pannu said the Akali leadership could not erase its past through political slogans while avoiding questions about its decisions and actions.

“From 2007 to 2017, when the Akali-BJP government ruled Punjab, the state witnessed the spread of chitta (heroin), the rise of gangsters and the growth of transport, cable and sand mafias. The same leaders who are now claiming to save Punjab were at the helm of affairs during that period. Punjabis have every right to question their record,” he said.

Questions Akali Dal’s Stand on Farm Laws

Referring to the three contentious farm laws introduced by the Centre, Pannu alleged that the Badal family had openly supported the legislation when it was introduced and repeatedly tried to explain its benefits to the public.

He cited statements by former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Singh Badal and Harsimrat Kaur Badal in support of the laws.

“Sukhbir Badal himself had spoken about the Akali Dal’s demand to dismantle the existing mandi system. The three farm laws threatened the mandi infrastructure through which Punjab’s farmers sell their produce,” Pannu said.

He alleged that the Akali leadership changed its position only after farmers and the people of Punjab began recognising the potential threat to agriculture and the political consequences of the party’s support.

Linking the Centre’s withholding of Rural Development Fund (RDF) payments to concerns over Punjab’s mandi infrastructure, Pannu said the Akali Dal needed to clarify its position on issues directly affecting farmers and the state’s rural economy.

Raises Questions Over 2015 Sacrilege Incidents

Pannu also questioned the Akali leadership’s handling of the 2015 sacrilege incidents and the subsequent police action in Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan.

He said that after appearing before Sri Akal Takht Sahib on December 2, Sukhbir Singh Badal had changed his position. According to Pannu, Sukhbir had earlier accepted responsibility for the sacrilege incidents and the subsequent police action but later claimed that his statements had been made under pressure.

“Punjabis have not forgotten the 2015 sacrilege incidents, the police action against the Sikh congregation in Kotkapura or the Behbal Kalan firing in which two people were killed. These incidents remain a source of deep pain for Punjab,” he said.

Pannu added that the Akali leadership should be held accountable for its actions instead of changing its position whenever it faces political pressure.

Seeks Clarity on Harsimrat Badal’s Deleted Social Media Post

Questioning the deletion of an alleged social media post by Akali MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal hours after its publication, Pannu sought clarification from the party leadership over its response to a recent incident at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi.

He asked why the Akali leadership repeatedly changed its position on sensitive Sikh issues while claiming to represent Punjab and the Sikh community.

“People are entitled to clarity and consistency from leaders who invoke Sikh sentiments and religious institutions in their political campaigns,” he said.

Questions Silence Over Sarai Resident’s Case

Pannu also questioned Sukhbir Singh Badal, Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia over their alleged silence on the case of a woman staying at a sarai in Sri Anandpur Sahib.

He sought clarity on the woman’s living conditions and what the Akali leadership knew about the matter.

The AAP leader said the Akali leadership could not evade questions about the functioning of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and its role in the matter.

“Cases involving Sikh institutions require transparency and accountability, not silence when difficult questions are raised,” he said.

Raises Bandi Singhs Issue

On the issue of Bandi Singhs, Pannu said letters written by Akali leaders and their previous positions on the matter were already in the public domain.

He alleged that the gap between the party’s public claims and its past actions raised serious questions about its credibility.

“Punjabis have the right to know why the party’s position keeps changing on such important issues,” he said.

‘Political Slogans Cannot Erase the Past’

Concluding his remarks, Pannu alleged that the Akali Dal (Badal) was once again attempting to mislead Punjabis through its ‘Punjab Bachao’ campaign.

He said people had not forgotten the party’s stand on the three farm laws, the 2015 sacrilege incidents, the Kotkapura police action or the Behbal Kalan firing.

“No political drama or new slogan can erase these memories. Punjabis know the difference between those who stand with them and those who repeatedly betray their trust,” Pannu said.