With Assembly polls approaching, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has adopted a quieter, ground-focused strategy, staying away from large rallies and instead reaching out through small gatherings and direct interactions.
Badal completed 40 ‘Punjab Bachao’ rallies between February 23 and April 11 across districts. The campaign has since been paused due to the farming.
Also Read:KCR’s daughter Kavitha launches new political outfit, names it TRS
“There was no doubt that our position was weak until the middle of last year. During the floods, our workers came out to help people and since then there has been a positive response from the people of Punjab,” senior SAD leader Sikandar Maluka told ET. “We have received a strong response during our rallies, where 5,000-10,000 people gathered to listen to Badal.”
In November last year, SAD secured second position in the Tarn Taran Assembly seat, marking a strong improvement from fourth place in the previous election.
Also Read: Manish Sisodia meets Kejriwal after 7 MPs join BJP, AAP to submit letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman against defectors
SAD is open to an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming elections and has left the decision to the BJP.
Badal has been listening to concerns, ranging from power cuts to farmers’ debt. He has also visited key religious sites such as Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, where he met community leaders and party supporters.
