SAD Calls for Voter Boycott Against AAP Ahead of Bypoll

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has urged voters in Tarn Taran to boycott the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the lead-up to the upcoming by-election on November 11. During a roadshow on Sunday, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal called for a “fatwa” against AAP, emphasizing the need to end what he described as “repression.” The roadshow took place from Jandiala Guru Chowk to Bohriwal Chowk, where Badal was accompanied by the party’s candidate, Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa.

Badal highlighted the resilience of local supporters, stating, “The manner in which you supported your own regional party despite threats, registration of false cases, and even illegal detention has sent out a clear signal that the countdown for the end of the looters of Delhi has begun.” He asserted that the outcome of this election would significantly impact the political landscape of Punjab. “Once AAP loses this seat, the way will be cleared for the installation of a pro-farmer and pro-poor government of the SAD,” he declared.

The AAP, on the other hand, claims support from dharmi faujis, or Sikh soldiers who resigned over the 1984 Operation Blue Star. In a bid to rally support, Badal appealed to the electorate to honour the sacrifices made by these individuals by electing Randhawa as a legislator. “We owe this to those who sacrificed everything for the Panth,” he remarked, refraining from mentioning the backing AAP has received from the Dharmi Fauji Welfare Board.

With the election drawing near, sources indicate that key leaders from various political parties are actively engaged in Tarn Taran. These leaders, along with their campaign strategists, are reportedly conducting intensive meetings and assessments to finalize their strategies. They are reviewing booth-level data and mobilizing their respective voter bases in anticipation of the critical by-election.

As the political atmosphere intensifies, the residents of Tarn Taran are faced with significant choices that could shape the region’s governance. The outcome on November 11 will not only determine the local representation but also signal broader implications for Punjab’s political dynamics.