Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab State Media Incharge Baltej Pannu on Friday criticised Shiromani Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal over his announcement of launching a “Dharam Yudh Morcha”, saying the Akali Dal has once again exposed its politics of deception as the much-publicised agitation now appears to have been quietly abandoned.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said, “Nearly a month ago, Sukhbir Singh Badal dramatically announced that after offering Ardas at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Akali Dal would launch a Dharam Yudh Morcha on July 19. However, with only two days left, the party has neither made any preparations nor announced any programme.”
“Those who grew up eating pizza and coke are now talking about launching a Dharam Yudh without even understanding what such a historic movement means. Leaders who have actually participated in such movements know the immense groundwork, public mobilisation and commitment required before announcing one,” he added.
Baltej Pannu said, “The Akali Dal has conveniently forgotten its own promise. Even during the party’s recent core committee meeting, there was no discussion whatsoever about the proposed Dharam Yudh Morcha. It appears they assumed the people of Punjab would also forget that they had made such a grand announcement.”
He further said, “The proposed Morcha was never a serious movement but merely another attempt to mislead the people and create unnecessary political confrontation against CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.”
Concluding his remarks, Baltej Pannu said, “Sukhbir Badal believes that he can continue misleading the people of Punjab through dramatic announcements and emotional slogans. The people of Punjab have seen through these tactics. During all the years the Badal family remained in power, they focused on expanding their own wealth and filled the Cabinet with their relatives instead of working for the welfare of the people.”