Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday launched a sharp attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, alleging that the party has quietly backed away from its much-publicised plan to launch a 'Dharam Yudh Morcha' on July 19.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said the Akali Dal had announced the agitation nearly a month ago after offering Ardas at Sri Akal Takht Sahib but had since failed to reveal any program, preparations or leadership for the proposed movement.
Pannu claimed that with only two days left before the announced date, the party had neither mobilised supporters nor outlined its strategy, indicating that the agitation had been abandoned. He accused the Akali Dal of using the announcement as a political tool to target Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann rather than launching a genuine public movement.
Criticising the party's leadership, Pannu said the Akali Dal had forgotten its own commitment, pointing out that the proposed Dharam Yudh Morcha was not even discussed during the party's recent core committee meeting. He alleged that the announcement was another attempt to mislead the people of Punjab.
AAP leader also accused the Akali Dal of a long history of deceiving Punjabis, alleging that the party's governments between 2007 and 2017 allowed the drug menace to spread across the state. He further claimed that several promises made by the Badal family, including the formation of a "Truth Commission," were never fulfilled.
Referring to the 2015 sacrilege incidents, Pannu questioned the Akali Dal's claims of fighting for justice, alleging that the incidents, police firing at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan, and the destruction of evidence all took place during the Badal-led government. He also cited observations from a Faridkot court regarding Sukhbir Badal's conduct during the period, alleging that the party leadership failed to take responsibility while peaceful protesters were allegedly met with police action.
Pannu further recalled cases registered against the family of late human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during previous Akali governments, alleging harassment of those seeking justice.
Concluding his remarks, Pannu said the people of Punjab were no longer influenced by what he described as "dramatic announcements and emotional slogans," accusing the Badal family of prioritising its political and personal interests over public welfare. He challenged the Akali Dal to explain why it had not announced any roadmap, leadership or protest schedule for the July 19 Dharam Yudh Morcha.
