SAD vows special push for

Hoshiarpur/ Daljeet Ajnoha/May 3 : Shiromani Akali Dal leader Dharaminder Kumar “Tony” said the party would make special efforts to strengthen Punjab’s industrial infrastructure if it forms the next government, with its core aim being to support local industry and create jobs. He added that SAD has already begun preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections and will reach out to people across all Assembly constituencies.
Tony said the party would offer relief to old industries and incentives to attract fresh investment, while prioritising local employment in industrial growth. He also promised reduced power tariffs for industry, self-certification to ease doing business, support for small traders, and a skill university in Ludhiana to train workers for key sectors such as bicycles, hosiery and auto parts.
****Local industry focus***
According to Tony, industrial units would get government concessions only if they hire at least 75% local workers. He said power rates would be cut to ₹5 per unit, large industries and focal-point associations would be allowed to set up solar power plants, and the policy of shifting industries out of mixed land-use areas would be discontinued.
He also said traders with turnover below ₹25 lakh would be covered under a one-time tax system, while small traders would be offered pension and insurance cover up to ₹10 lakh.
****Political attack***
Tony said that during SAD’s rule, all sectors of the state developed, while the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party governments had done nothing for Punjab’s progress. He asserted that the party was determined to usher in a new era of development and build the infrastructure needed to move Punjab forward.