The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), led by Sukhbir Singh Badal, has fielded Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, drawing on her family’s Dharmi Fauji legacy. Sukhbir and Harsimrat Kaur Badal campaigned intensively to regain Panthic confidence.

In contrast, rival Akali factions, including Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) and Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), have united behind Mandeep Singh, brother of jailed Panthic figure Sunny. Sunny gained symbolic status after assaulting a former police officer accused of fake encounters.

Political analysts say the Tarn Taran bypoll could reveal if Panthic support is consolidating once again around the Badal-led SAD or shifting toward emerging Sikh-centric outfits. The result will likely set the tone for the 2027 contest, defining future Akali influence in Punjab politics.

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Main contestants include AAP’s Harmeet Singh Sandhu, SAD’s Principal Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, BJP’s Harjeet Singh Sandhu, and Congress’s Karanbir Singh Burj. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, a three-time MLA, switched from SAD to AAP in 2024. Randhawa, linked to the “Dharmi Fauji” family, has been active locally since 2023.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged voters to choose wisely and attacked Opposition parties for “false propaganda.” He claimed AAP brought transparent governance and daytime power for farmers. SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, however, accused the AAP government of failing promises and allowing crime to rise.

The battle for Tarn Taran is now seen as a crucial test before the 2027 Punjab Assembly polls.

The post Tarn Taran Bypoll Heats Up as 15 Candidates Battle for Key Seat appeared first on India Podcast.

To aid relief work, SAD sent hundreds of fogging machines and dispatched 25 more silage trucks from Sri Muktsar Sahib for Patti and Khadoor Sahib constituencies. Badal assured Gurdaspur DC Dalwinderjit Singh of full support from his party.

He accused the AAP government of negligence, blaming the collapse of Madhopur barrage gates and release of water from Ranjit Sagar Dam for destroying crops across lakhs of acres. According to SAD, CM Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal are misusing Punjab’s resources while farmers wait for flood relief.

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Raghbir Singh Pardhan started his political journey with the Congress and was elected MLA in 1992 when the SAD had boycotted the elections. He later left Congress due to differences with PCC chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. In 2021, he joined the Punjab Lok Congress, formed by former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, before moving to the SAD in 2022.

Throughout his career, Raghbir Singh Pardhan remained closely involved in social and charitable activities in Gidderbaha. His contributions to local communities earned him respect across party lines.

Several leaders expressed grief over his demise. SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and AAP MLA Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon were among those who condoled his passing. Locals remember him as a dedicated leader who actively worked for the welfare of the people of Gidderbaha.

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Farmers shared their struggles since the 2023 floods. Roads remain damaged, and bundhs were left weak. Badal promised immediate relief, including 4,000 litres of diesel, tractors, JCB machines, and funds for village committees. He also pledged earthworks on roads and clearing sand from farms.

In addition, SAD will send maize silage for livestock and distribute certified wheat seeds for one lakh acres, with SGPC supporting another lakh acres. Badal urged the Punjab government to release crop compensation quickly and provide free DAP fertiliser to farmers. He emphasized that strong Punjab flood control measures are essential to protect farmers and their land from future disasters.

The post SAD Promises Concrete Bundhs to Fight Floods in Punjab appeared first on India Podcast.

The party will send 1,000 trucks filled with maize silage and hay to villages for cattle. Farmers will receive certified wheat seeds for one lakh acres to prepare for the next crop. SAD will also give 30,000 quintals of seed to meet food needs in affected villages.

To stop the spread of malaria, volunteers will run 500 fogging machines. SAD teams will set up 125 medical camps with doctors from Guru Ramdas Hospital, Amritsar. Twenty-five groups of veterinary doctors will visit villages to treat animals. Volunteers will also clear sand from fields so farmers can return to work quickly.

Badal urged the Centre and the Punjab government to waive farm loans. He demanded ₹50,000 per acre as crop loss compensation, ₹10 lakh for each family that lost a member, and ₹1 lakh for every animal lost. He said the current six-month loan break is not enough to support struggling farmers.

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