CHANDIGARH: The entire rank and file of the Youth Akali Dal (SAD) today reposed complete faith in the resolute leadership of S Sukhbir Singh Badal and said he alone could give effective leadership to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) at this juncture.
The YAD also asserted in one voice that there could never be any compromise on principles and appreciated the SAD president for not compromising on the prestige of the Khalsa Panth, Punjab and the SAD. The YAD also appreciated S Sukhbir Singh Badal for refusing to align with the BJP despite intense pressure from a section of top leadership of the party which was keen on aligning with the BJP by sacrificing the party’s principles only to fulfill their ulterior motives.
Speaking on the occasion, S Sukhbir Singh Badal explained the entire sequence of events of the last more than two months in detail to the YAD rank and file. “I could have easily acquiesced to an alliance with the BJP but I refused the same because I was being told to arrive at a seat settlement without any discussion on the core issues of Punjab including the status of ‘Bandi Singhs, farmers and the issues like the State’s river waters and State capital. I did so because I could not betray the Panth, farmers and Punjabis at any cost”. He said despite such a principled stand taken by him, party leaders who were now speaking against the party, had reached out to the BJP individually and even struck deals with them. “I refused to honour these deals as I don’t believe in opportunistic politics. I am committed to following the ideals of the SAD and will continue to do so”, he added.
The SAD president listened to suggestions from the YAD leadership including suggestions that fresh blood be infused in the party by giving representation in electoral politics to youth. Mr Sukhbir Badal said the party was devising a programme to give meaningful responsibilities to the youth wing and make it even stronger.
YAD president Sarabjit Singh Jhinjher appealed to the youth to defeat the conspiracies to weaken the SAD by creating divisions in the party by shunning opportunistic elements. He urged the youth to beware of central agencies that were being used to take control of the religious affairs of the Sikhs. The entire senior leadership of the YAD was present on the occasion.
Senior leaders including Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and Parambans Singh Romana were also present in the meeting.