Punjab assembly polls: Akalis start early; carry drug, sacrilege 'burden'

Jupinderjit Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 8

With one of its senior leaders embroiled in a drug smuggling case and facing farmers’ protests besides the “baggage” of sacrilege cases, the Shiromani Akali Dal and its alliance partner Bahujan Samaj Party have led over others in starting the election campaign.

Toured 100 seats

Starting quite early, Akali Dal candidates have toured their constituencies already. The leadership has covered 100 seats. — Daljeet Singh Cheema, Spokesperson

The SAD and BSP stitched their alliance, sharing 97 and 20 seats, respectively, on June 13, almost six months before the election code of conduct came into force. Beginning September last year, the SAD have announced 93 candidates, while the BSP has named 18.

The SAD started early hoping to storm back into power. However, the party faced protests at several places by farmer organisations, who accused them of supporting the BJP’s farm laws initially. The party also faced questions surrounding the drug and sand mafias, besides the alleged mishandling of the sacrilege incidents that took place during its tenure.

The Akalis hope their base in the rural constituencies, especially the Taksali Akali vote, coupled with the Dalit vote owing to the alliance with the BSP will see them through.