Ludhiana, 26 September (H.S.): Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Saturday accused Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) and its leader Manpreet Singh Ayali of working in coordination with the Aam Aadmi Party to divide the Panthic vote. He made the remarks while addressing a gathering at the Chhapar Mela in the Dakha constituency.

The Chhapar Mela witnessed separate political gatherings by the SAD and Waris Punjab De, with the contest between the two outfits drawing significant political attention.

Badal claimed that the AAP had not organised a political conference at the mela and alleged that its supporters had instead been directed towards the Waris Punjab De gathering. He also appealed to the gathering to support SAD candidate Jaskaran Singh Deol from Dakha in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Targeting Ayali, Badal alleged that the Dakha MLA had entered into an understanding with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to protect his business and political interests. He levelled allegations regarding the Avanta Greens colony, land pooling and other matters, and said the SAD would initiate proceedings against Ayali if it formed the government.

Badal further alleged that Waris Punjab De was receiving financial support from the Punjab government through officials and claimed that this was the reason, according to him, why the organisation had not criticised the Mann government on several issues. These allegations were not independently established in his remarks.

The SAD president also alleged that Ayali had been given influence over police administration in Ludhiana and claimed that police machinery had been used during recent local elections. He did not provide independent evidence for these allegations.

On illegal mining, Badal demanded an independent investigation into what he described as a multi-thousand-crore illegal sand mining operation in Punjab. He alleged that proceeds were being channelled towards AAP leadership. Similar allegations were also made by Badal at a Punjab Bachao rally in Ajnala earlier this week.

Badal also announced a series of policy commitments in case the SAD returned to power. He said the party would fill three lakh vacant government posts within one year and reverse provisions allowing recruitment of people from outside Punjab. He further announced that industries seeking state incentives would be required to provide 75 per cent of jobs to Punjabis.

Among other announcements, Badal promised interest-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh for youth to start businesses, an increase in the Shagun scheme assistance to ₹1 lakh, and an old-age pension of ₹3,100 per month. He also announced 50 kg of wheat under the Atta-Dal scheme and said farmers without tube-well connections would be provided the facility. Senior SAD leaders, including Bikram Singh Majithia, Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Ranjit Singh Dhillon, Chand Singh Dalla and Gurcharan Singh Grewal, were present at the gathering.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH