Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal camps in city for charging up party workers for the Ludhiana West bypoll.

Time of India

2 days ago

Ludhiana: The
Shiromani Akali Dal
(SAD) has turned the Ludhiana West assembly byelection into a make-or-break campaign, with party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal leading the charge from the frontlines.
In an unprecedented move, Badal has been camping in the city for days and is expected to remain for the entire duration of the campaign — a level of personal involvement that party insiders say they haven't seen in any local bypoll before.
Internally, they view this byelection as a precursor to the 2027 Punjab assembly polls, with senior leadership treating it as both a symbolic and strategic battleground. Party sources claim that Badal has been conducting intensive indoor meetings with booth-level workers and senior members, energising the grassroots and sharpening the party's focus ward by ward.
Personal Push, Party Strategy
The SAD has fielded first-time candidate Parupkar Singh Ghuman, a Sikh face, in a constituency where an estimated 45,000 Sikh voters reside. In contrast, rival parties have chosen Hindu candidates, which SAD believes gives it an opening to consolidate a core vote bank. "We are charging up our cadre booth-wise and aiming to increase vote share in every ward," a senior party leader said.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
오스템 임플란트 받아가세요
임플란터
더 알아보기
Undo
"This bypoll is not just about a seat — it's about momentum, visibility, and organisational strength going into 2027.
"
Party workers and bigwigs from outside the constituency have also been drafted into the effort. "I've been assigned two wards and given 10 days to cover those. We've begun a door-to-door campaign," said a member from the north constituency. "Even if leaders are coming out just because of
Sukhbir Badal
's presence, it matters — the party is now visible and active on the ground."
'Nothing to Lose, All to Gain'
An Akali leader who asked not to be named said Badal's intense involvement was reminiscent of his commitment to his home turf of Bathinda. "We haven't seen him this engaged elsewhere. It's pushing everyone to step up. We may have little to lose in this bypoll, but there's a lot to gain in terms of morale and groundwork for the next big election." The campaign strategy includes booth-level mobilisation and simultaneous outreach by both party leaders and the candidate himself.
While senior members lead coordination efforts, Ghuman is covering ground independently to connect with as many voters as possible.
Sukhbir: It's About Pb's Future
Speaking to TOI, Sukhbir Singh Badal underscored the wider stakes. "This is a very important election — not just for Ludhiana West, but for the entire state," he said. "The voters here will begin the chapter of defeat for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). As party president, it's my duty to support our candidate and energise the cadre. I'm holding meetings daily, and I'm encouraged to see how committed our workers are to securing victory.
"
With morale rising and the SAD's top brass embedded on the ground, the bypoll has evolved into more than a mid-term test — it has become the launchpad for the party's return bid in Punjab politics.
MSID:: 121622333 413 |