Following the attack in Nanded, Maharashtra, on August 13, Shiromani Akali Dal President and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal sent a political message regarding preparations for the assembly elections during the ‘Punjab Bachao Rally’ (Save Punjab Rally) held at the Dana Mandi in Malout on Wednesday. A large number of Akali workers attended the rally, and palpable enthusiasm was evident among them throughout the event.
In his address, Sukhbir Badal leveled sharp accusations against the current government. He stated that the government had acted against Sikh *maryada* (code of conduct), yet no one had opposed it. Referring to incidents of sacrilege, he claimed that hundreds of such events occurred during the tenures of the Congress and the current government. He noted that the name of any Shiromani Akali Dal leader or worker had never surfaced in connection with these cases.
Sukhbir Badal speaking from the stage.
**Targeted ‘Waris Punjab De’ as well**
Sukhbir Badal also took aim at the ‘Waris Punjab De’ organization and MP Amritpal Singh. He stated that after returning to Punjab from Dubai in 2022, Amritpal began projecting himself as the ‘heir’ (*Waris*) of Punjab. He alleged that certain individuals were engaging in politics by using Gurdwaras as a shield. Badal remarked that some people were demanding Amritpal Singh’s release under the guise of advocating for the release of *Bandi Singhs* (Sikh prisoners). He alleged that their true objective was to take control of Punjab’s Gurdwaras and their *golaks* (offering boxes). During this, he remarked—
**Highlighted the Akali government’s development works**
At the rally, Sukhbir Badal also highlighted the development projects undertaken during the Akali government’s tenure. He mentioned hospitals like AIIMS, road construction, the beautification of the area surrounding Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, the Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial, and other historical monuments.
He stated that it was a political compulsion for the opposition to label these development works as a disaster. At the conclusion of the rally, Akali workers raised slogans in support of the party and reiterated their resolve to strengthen the organization for the upcoming assembly elections.
