SAD to launch 'Punjab Bachao – Sukhbir Singh Badal Liyao' campaign from Feb 17
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 12, 2026:The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday announced the launch of a statewide mass contact programme titled “Punjab Bachao – Sukhbir Singh Badal Liyao” from February 17, marking the beginning of the party’s campaign for the 2027 Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections.
The decision was taken by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal after consultations with senior party leaders. Addressing the media, Badal said the campaign would focus on highlighting key issues facing Punjab and presenting the party’s vision for the state.
“We will take up all the burning issues of Punjab and offer our vision for the State. I am confident that Punjabis will rally around the SAD, which alone is capable of fulfilling their aspirations,” he said.
Providing details of the programme, senior SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said the campaign would begin from Qadian and include 40 rallies across Punjab, culminating on Baisakhi, April 13. Of these, 28 rallies will be held by March 31, with the schedule already finalised. The remaining 12 rallies will take place in April.
Dr Cheema said the SAD has always adhered to ethical politics and honoured its commitments. “This time too, we will present a comprehensive vision for the State, covering every section of society and focusing on maintaining peace and communal harmony,” he stated.
He said the party would clearly articulate its position on key issues, including the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab and ending what it termed discrimination against the state in matters concerning river waters. The party would also raise concerns over the alleged erosion of the federal structure, which it claimed has financially impacted Punjab due to issues related to devolution of central funds and limited fiscal autonomy.
The SAD leader further said that the ongoing agricultural crisis would be a central theme of the campaign. Issues such as farmer indebtedness, suicides, compensation for losses due to the 2025 floods, and the demand for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) would be highlighted. He also said the party would address concerns regarding reduction in fertiliser subsidies and safeguarding farmers’ interests in the trade deal with the United States.
Dr Cheema added that the campaign would focus on welfare initiatives for the Scheduled Caste community, increasing employment opportunities for youth, and alleging corruption, law and order failures, and protection to drug mafias under the Aam Aadmi Party government.
Panthic issues would also be discussed extensively, particularly what the party described as attempts to weaken Sikh religious institutions. “We will expose those involved in such conspiracies and appeal to the entire Panth to support the SAD, which has always stood as a bulwark for Sikh pride and prestige,” he said.
The campaign signals the SAD’s formal entry into election mode ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls.