Farmers' protest mars Sukhbir Badal’s rally in Sahnewal

Lovleen Bains

Sahnewal, September 1

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Badal’s visit here today was marred by a protest and sloganeering. As his cavalcade reached Sahnewal, members of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), chiefly the Rajewal and Kadian groups, gave vent to their anger against the three farm laws.

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Block president of Kadian group Rajvir Singh and general secretary Mandeep Singh accused Badals of initiating and leading the final passing of the three contentious laws, which they said were sure to plunder and bring the farming community on the roads. They also condemned his 100-day rally, which they said was primarily to secure his party’s position in the coming elections and not for the welfare or concern for the farming community.

Had his tour been for the cause of the farmers, he would have stood in their support, they said. The protesters also accused the SAD for being a mute spectator in the Bargari incident, despite the fact that it had the power to reign in truth and justice at that time.

The police had a tough time handling the protesters and bringing the situation under control. Meanwhile, addressing a huge gathering at a local palace, Sukhbir asked people to vote in favour of development and farsightedness. Reiterating the 13-point agenda of the SAD- BSP alliance, he said each and every section of the society shall get its due within a stipulated period of time.

Addressing his rally, named ‘Gal Punjab Di’, he said “Ours is the party which knows how to fulfil promises made in the election manifesto, be it the completion of flyovers, electricity projects, 24-hour power supply to industry and farming community, increase in old-age pension, special package to riot victims, employment to youths, sports quota for excelling players or free higher education, especially for girls. This we promised and delivered during our tenure but as opposed to this, the

Congress has failed to fulfil its promises,” said the SAD president.

“Congress stands as a divided party today. When a party has failed to keep its own house in order, when will it find time to look towards the general public? The party leaders are seeking majority votes within the party itself. It does not have the capacity to reach out to the common man and solve his problems. Rather, the Congress is patronising gangsters and thus leading to lawlessness,” he expressed.

Terming the Congress and AAP party leaders as liars, he said no party could flourish on the foundation of falsehood and deceit. “The SAD is known for its performance, which it shall, once again, prove if voted to power,” Sukhbir asserted. “SAD was the only party that stood up against the Centre by voting against the three black laws in Parliament, even as both the Congress and AAP backed out. The war is on but only those warriors who have stayed committed throughout, shall come out victorious at the end of the day,” he expressed.

Earlier, Sahnewal MLA Sharanjit Singh Dhillon and senior Youth Akali leader Simranjit Singh Dhillon welcomed the SAD president and assured that they would leave no stone unturned to strengthen the party and make it victorious in the coming elections.