Shiromani Akali Dal announces statewide yatra and election manifesto

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has announced a three-phase statewide yatra across all assembly constituencies in Punjab, beginning November 10 at Sri Damdama Sahib. Party President Sukhbir Badal will lead the tour, which includes subsequent phases starting from Sri Anandpur Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The party plans to release its election manifesto on November 1, following feedback sessions with its various wings.

SAD leaders have used the announcement to criticize the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Sukhbir Badal and MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal have alleged government involvement in corruption and a failure to address the drug menace. Specifically, the party has blamed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for the death of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, calling for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder.

Other party representatives, including Gurjit Singh Talwandi, have called for Panthic unity under the leadership of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to address social challenges such as unemployment, gangsterism, and drug abuse in the region.