Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday decided to constitute a manifesto committee for the 2027 Punjab assembly elections and announced that its election manifesto would be treated as “a legal document”, with all promises to be implemented in the first cabinet meeting if the party forms the govt.The decision was taken at separate meetings of the SAD core committee and constituency in-charges, chaired by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal.SAD functionary Daljit Singh Cheema said the party would also prepare a “chargesheet” against the AAP govt, alleging it had “looted Punjab and its resources” while presiding over a collapse in law and order and the state’s economy.The party also decided to launch its ‘Apna Punjab Aap Bachaiye’ campaign from July 18, under which Badal will tour flood-hit and flood-prone areas. Cheema alleged the AAP govt had failed to undertake flood protection works despite last year’s devastating floods and warned of a “major catastrophe” in the event of heavy rainfall. An intensive campaign has been planned for July 21-23.Cheema said SAD would also participate in the SGPC’s religious outreach programme beginning July 24 from Akal Takht, which, he said, would highlight chief minister Bhagwant Mann’s alleged “religious crimes”.Responding to queries on the Behbal Kalan firing case, SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler said Badal would appear before the SIT on July 20 as summoned. Calling the probe a “political witch hunt”, Kler claimed the SAD chief “had nothing to do with the firing incident” as he was “not even in the country” at the time.SAD seeks Kartarpur opening, MSP guaranteeSAD urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and the Wagah border for trade with Pakistan during his Punjab visit on Friday. The party also sought a special financial package for Punjab and its border areas, alleging the AAP govt had “bankrupted” the state, and reiterated its demand for a legal guarantee of MSP.
