Sukhbir Badal blames AAP for LPU violence, promises job only for Punjabis under SAD Govt
Babusahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), September 28, 2026: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of being behind the violence at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, and announced that a future SAD government would restrict recruitment to Punjab government jobs to Punjabis.
Addressing a political conference at Rajasansi as part of the SAD’s Punjab Bachao campaign, Badal alleged that the violence at LPU was part of an AAP “mischief” aimed at targeting LPU Chancellor and Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal.
Badal called for an independent probe into the incident, claiming that such an investigation would establish the role of the AAP government. He alleged that the developments were intended to “teach a lesson” to Mittal after he left AAP and joined the BJP.
The LPU protests had turned violent on Sunday amid claims of an alleged sexual assault of a female student. The university has denied that the alleged incident took place, while police have registered an FIR and formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate the allegations. The unrest involved clashes with police, damage to property and vehicles being set on fire.
Badal also criticised the police action against protesting students, alleging that the force used against them was excessive. He appealed to police personnel to act according to their conscience.
‘Only Punjabis’ for Government Jobs
Badal announced that a SAD government would withdraw what he described as the AAP government’s policy of allowing outsiders to compete for government jobs in Punjab.
“Only Punjabis would be considered for government jobs in the State,” he said, adding that the SAD would seek to fill around three lakh vacant government posts.
He also said industries in Punjab would be required to recruit 75 per cent Punjabis in their factories.
Crop Insurance for All Farmers
Badal announced that all farmers would be covered under crop insurance if the SAD returned to power.
He said the proposed scheme would provide compensation to farmers in the event of crop failure or natural calamities. He also alleged that farmers had suffered losses from floods and hailstorms in recent years without receiving adequate compensation from the AAP government.
He further announced that farmers cultivating land in Punjab’s border areas but lacking ownership documents would be given ownership rights after a SAD government was formed.
Attack on Waris Punjab De
Badal also targeted Waris Punjab De, referring to the organisation as “Kaum de Gaddar” and alleging that it was working to divide the Panthic vote.
He made allegations against the organisation’s leadership and its political links, including claims regarding its support for Congress and AAP. These claims were made by Badal during his address and were not independently established in the statement.
Badal also alleged that the organisation was being funded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and given a role in dividing the Panthic vote.
Senior SAD leaders, including Bikram Singh Majithia, Gulzar Singh Ranike, Ranbir Singh Rana Lopoke, Raja Ladeh and Surjit Singh Pehalwan, also addressed the gathering.
During the conference, Badal announced Vir Singh Lopoke as the SAD candidate from the Rajasansi Assembly constituency for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.