SAD leader accuses AAP government of dictatorial tactics at Phagwara felicitation

In a sharp critique of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, senior Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) leader and newly appointed National Senior Vice-President, Daljit Singh Cheema, accused the Bhagwant Mann-led administration of adopting an authoritarian style of governance, alleging that it is suppressing opposition voices through false cases and coercive measures.

Dr Cheema made these remarks while addressing a grand felicitation function organised in his honour by the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) Phagwara unit. The event, held under the leadership of urban in-charge Sardar Ranjit Singh Khurana and rural in-charge Sardar Rajinder Singh Chandi, celebrated Dr Cheema’s recent elevation to a top national position in the party.

Thanking party workers for their consistent support, Dr Cheema called on them to begin groundwork for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. He alleged that under the current regime, the situation in Punjab has worsened, with voices of dissent being silenced, farmers’ lands being taken by force, and traders growing increasingly disillusioned. “The people of Punjab are ready to give a befitting reply in 2027 to these exploiters from Delhi,” he asserted.

He further charged the AAP government with using legal cases to discredit opposition leaders in a bid to divert attention from its failures in governance.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Ranjit Singh Khurana and Sardar Rajinder Singh Chandi congratulated Dr Cheema on his appointment and extended their gratitude to SAD President Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal for acknowledging Dr Cheema’s dedicated service to the party and Punjab.

“Dr Cheema has long been a pillar of strength for the Akali Dal and the people,” they said, expressing confidence in the leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal, Bikram Singh Majithia, and Dr Cheema to steer the party to victory in 2027.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from several local leaders and party supporters, including former councillor Sarbjit Kaur, Gurdawar Singh Bhakhariana, Gurmeet Singh Rawalpindi, Avtar Singh Bhoongarni, Satwinder Singh Ghuman, Bahadur Singh Sangatpur, among others. The stage was managed by Gurdyal Singh Lakhpur.

A large number of Akali Dal workers and supporters attended the event, reaffirming their commitment to rebuilding the party’s strength across Punjab.

Jalandhar