Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday appealed to people to support the party in the upcoming municipal elections, alleging that Delhi-based parties had damaged the state and that only the SAD could restore state’s progress and prosperity.
Addressing public gatherings in Gidderbaha at the residence of former MLA Raghbir Singh Pradhan and later at the party office near Husnar Chowk, Sukhbir alleged that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had failed on all fronts. He said people were recalling the SAD governments as a period marked by development, peace and communal harmony.
The SAD chief alleged that civic infrastructure in towns and cities had deteriorated under the present government. “Roads, sewerage and lighting facilities created during the SAD tenure are neither being expanded nor properly maintained,” he said. He also accused the government of failing to control crime, claiming incidents of snatching, robbery and extortion had become common.
Sukhbir said the growing public dissatisfaction with national parties had strengthened the case for a regional party like the SAD. He urged voters to ensure the party’s victory in the municipal elections, saying it would pave the way for success in the forthcoming Assembly polls.
Targeting the AAP government over employee issues, Sukhbir claimed dearness allowance (DA) dues and pension-related benefits were not being released despite court directions. He also alleged that promises regarding DA arrears and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme had not been fulfilled.
He assured government employees that the SAD would address all pending grievances if voted to power in the state again.
