Sukhbir Badal urges support for

Hoshiarpur/Oct 5/Daljeet Ajnoha — Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday called on people to back the regional party to pull the state out of its present “deteriorating” situation, saying only the Akali Dal could restore peace, development and the rule of law.
Visit to Dharminder Tony’s residence
Badal visited the home of Shiromani Akali Dal trade wing state general secretary Dharminder Kumar Tony in Hoshiarpur district, where he spent considerable time with Tony’s family. Tony and his relatives gave the SAD chief a warm reception, party functionaries said.
Speaking to mediapersons on the occasion, Badal said with just five months left for the state Assembly elections, it was time for Punjabis to choose a government that could make Punjab “prosperous again”.
Attack on AAP, Congress rule
Badal targeted both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which have ruled Punjab over the past decade, alleging that the state’s condition had continuously worsened under them.
Law and order had collapsed, with drugs, gangsterism and intimidation creating an atmosphere of fear, he said.
“Gunda-gardi (hooliganism) has increased so much that it has become difficult for the common man to live,” Badal alleged, adding that the “broom” (AAP’s symbol) had “ruined Punjab”.
He claimed people were now ready to “throw out” the present government and assured that if the Akali Dal returned to power, strict action would be taken against those responsible for the decline.
Criticism of national parties
The SAD chief also criticised national parties, saying their mindset was not “Punjab-centric” and that they followed orders from “masters” in Delhi instead of working for the state’s interests.
He contrasted the present situation with the tenure of the late Parkash Singh Badal, recalling it as a period of “peace, brotherhood and development” in Punjab.
Claim of unmatched development under Akali Dal
Badal said the Akali Dal was the only party that wanted development of both villages and cities, claiming that during its rule the state saw construction of more bridges and roads than ever before.
“If Punjab is to be saved, people must once again bring the Akali Dal to power,” he said.
Describing SAD as the “real heir” of Punjab, he said the party had always worked in the public interest and could restore the state’s “golden days”.
Leaders present
Among those present on the occasion were Shiromani Akali Dal industry wing district president Harvinder Singh Ahluwalia, Ramesh Chandra, Paras Sehdev, Gaurav Kora, Amit Verma, Madhu Bala, Roshan Lal Mintu, Lucky Rajput, Doli Kora, Aminder Kaur, Inderjit Singh Dhillon and Ranjit Kaur Dhillon, according to party sources.