Harsimrat Badal leads protest outside CM’s residence; Akali workers detained
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 5, 2026: Bathinda MP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Saturday led a protest by members of the party’s women’s wing outside Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s residence in Chandigarh, demanding his resignation and a criminal case against his wife, Dr Gurpreet Kaur Mann.
The protest was held under the banner ‘Satkar Nahin Balatkaar’, with thousands of women workers, according to the SAD, participating in the demonstration.
Police deployed barricades to prevent the protesters from moving towards the Chief Minister’s residence. Following the blockade, Harsimrat Badal, MLA Ganieve Kaur and Istri Akali Dal president Hargobind Kaur, along with other protesters, staged a sit-in and courted arrest.
The protesters raised slogans against the Punjab Government and demanded action in connection with allegations surrounding the case involving media influencer Guri Chahal.
Harsimrat Badal Raises ₹5-Crore Allegation
Addressing the protesters, Harsimrat Badal alleged that an amount of ₹5 crore was sought in connection with the case and accused the Chief Minister’s office of protecting an accused person.
She referred to purported audio and video material that, according to her, showed a relative of the Chief Minister’s wife allegedly negotiating with an associate of the accused.
Badal also alleged that the accused had been promised favourable treatment in jail, including a transfer and access to medical facilities. She further claimed that the accused was released and subsequently travelled to the United States.
These allegations were made by Badal during the protest and have not been independently established in the information provided.
Badal Challenges CM Mann Over Corruption Claim
During her address, Harsimrat Badal displayed a packet of celphos tablets and challenged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to respond to the allegations.
She recalled Mann’s earlier statements about being willing to consume poison rather than allow corruption involving even a small amount of money and questioned what had changed.
The SAD leader demanded the arrest of those she alleged were involved in the matter and called for the dismissal of police officials accused by her of filing cancellation reports that allegedly benefited the accused.
Demands CBI Probe, Protection for Complainants
Badal also demanded a CBI investigation into the entire matter and sought protection for the women who had allegedly complained against the accused.
She claimed that five women had personally approached the Chief Minister with complaints against the same individual and alleged that no action was taken. She called for this aspect to be investigated as well.
Meanwhile, Istri Akali Dal leaders Hargobind Kaur and Ganieve Kaur Majithia appealed to people across Punjab to join the campaign, alleging that the issue involved both the dignity of women and corruption in the Chief Minister’s office.
The SAD said it would continue its agitation across Punjab until its demands, including action against those allegedly involved in the case, were addressed.