Sukhbir Badal kicks off 2027 campaign: Tube wells connection in a week, Rs 1 lakh for daughters’ marriage and more
Babushahi Bureau
Gurdaspur (Punjab), February 17, 2026: Marking the formal launch of the 2027 Punjab Assembly election campaign, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday unveiled an extensive poll agenda, promising a series of welfare and agrarian measures if his party returns to power.
Addressing a gathering in Qadian, Badal launched a sharp attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government and declared that an Akali government would deliver immediate relief to farmers and economically weaker sections.
He announced that tubewell electricity connections would be granted to farmers within the first week of forming the government. Individuals cultivating government land for the past 50 years would be given ownership rights, while joint land holdings would be partitioned free of cost.
For low-income families, the SAD chief promised wheat flour at ₹4 per kilogram and pulses at ₹20 per kilogram. He also declared that the financial assistance under the Shagun scheme for the marriage of daughters would be increased to ₹1 lakh.
Badal further pledged to raise old-age pension to ₹3,100 per month immediately after assuming office. He said a law would be introduced to reserve government jobs exclusively for Punjabis.
To promote entrepreneurship, the party promised interest-free loans up to ₹10 lakh for youth starting their own ventures, with the government bearing the interest burden. Additionally, one Meritorious School would be established in every constituency, and 50% of seats in Punjab universities would be reserved for Punjabi students.
The Akali leader also announced the setting up of skill development and veterinary universities or colleges in every district. He pledged to revive the ‘World Cup Kabaddi’ tournament and strengthen flood protection infrastructure by converting all temporary embankments into permanent structures.