In a significant political move ahead of the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal formally launched the “Punjab Bachao Rally” from Gurdaspur district, positioning the campaign as a direct appeal to voters seeking economic relief, employment opportunities, and stronger governance. Addressing a large gathering, Badal unveiled an ambitious election agenda aimed at senior citizens, youth, farmers, women, and industrial stakeholders, signaling the party’s intent to regain political ground in the state. Placing voters at the center of his address, Badal promised that if the Shiromani Akali Dal returns to power, old-age pension in Punjab would be increased to ₹3,100 per month, describing it as a step toward social security and dignity for senior citizens. He further pledged that subsidized food schemes would be reinstated from the very first day of forming the government, including wheat at ₹4 per kilogram and pulses at ₹20 per kilogram, aiming to ease inflationary pressure on low- and middle-income families across the state.
Targeting youth voters, who are expected to play a decisive role in the upcoming Punjab elections, Badal announced interest-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh to help young entrepreneurs start businesses, with a repayment window of ten years. He framed this proposal as a direct intervention to address unemployment and migration concerns, which remain key election issues in Punjab. In the education sector, he promised to establish one meritorious school in every विधानसभा constituency with free education and assured that students graduating from these institutions would receive 50 percent reservation in state universities. Expanding on higher education infrastructure, he also committed to setting up a medical college, a veterinary college, and a skill university in every district, presenting this as a long-term strategy to strengthen Punjab’s professional and technical education ecosystem.
Appealing to regional sentiments and employment concerns, Badal declared that a law would be introduced to ensure that government jobs in Punjab are reserved exclusively for Punjabis. He added that industries seeking state benefits would be required to provide at least 75 percent employment to local youth, positioning the proposal as a safeguard for the state’s workforce. For farmers, another critical voter segment, he assured that tubewell connections would be granted within the first week of forming the government to those currently without access. He also promised stronger embankments to prevent flood damage and pledged ownership rights to farmers cultivating government land in border areas for years, highlighting agricultural security and land rights as central themes of the party’s election campaign.
In a bid to reconnect with Punjab’s cultural identity, Badal announced the revival of international sporting events such as the World Kabaddi Cup and the Wrestling World Cup, along with the organization of traditional animal fairs, horse racing events, and pigeon-flying competitions, accompanied by substantial cash prizes. On the law-and-order front, he adopted a tough stance, stating that his government would take strict action against gangsters and drug traffickers, including confiscation of properties and legal measures to prevent easy bail. Emphasizing governance and stability, Badal told voters that Punjab requires decisive leadership to combat crime, boost economic growth, and restore investor confidence. With the Punjab Assembly elections drawing closer, the “Punjab Bachao Rally” marks a strategic effort by the Shiromani Akali Dal to consolidate its voter base and reframe the political narrative around welfare expansion, youth empowerment, farmer relief, and strong administrative control, setting the stage for a competitive electoral battle in the state.
