Shiromani Akali Dal
Regionalism, state rights
President: Unknown
No minister data
BJP uses Sardar Teja Singh Samundri's 1926 martyrdom to build pro-Sikh image
With the 2027 Punjab Assembly election nearing, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using Sardar Teja Singh Samundri's legacy to build a pro-Sikh image. Leaders like Narendra Modi and Amit Shah invoked his martyrdom in 1926 at age 43. The party also appointed Kewal Singh Dhillon as State president while highlighting actions since 2014, including the Kartarpur Corridor.
Punjab faces statewide bandh after Parvinder Singh Jhota murdered confronting illicit drug seller
The murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota while confronting a chemist shop owner selling illicit drugs has challenged the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab. The victim's family refused last rites, sparking a statewide bandh. BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Congress demanded probes or government dissolution. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to investigate the murder.
Punjab drug crisis persists despite 2017 promises and SGPC's free treatment commitment
The Shiromani Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party governed Punjab from 2007 to 2017, facing scrutiny over their drug enforcement record. While Captain Amarinder Singh promised a four-week solution in 2017, the crisis persists. Harsimrat Kaur Badal launched "Maawan-Dheeyan" and Sukhbir Singh Badal started "Vibe Punjab Di." Additionally, the SGPC committed to free treatment in 2018 and a 2026 outreach campaign.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, an Akali MP, addressed women in Bathinda to target the Bhagwant
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, an Akali MP, addressed women in Bathinda to target the Bhagwant Mann government's Aam Aadmi Party. She accused the government of failing to curb drug trafficking and offering only Rs 3,000 instead of promised Rs 60,000. The Shiromani Akali Dal promoted its 'Mai Bhago Di Fauj' initiative, promising a woman DGP-led task force for the 2027 elections.
Haryana CM Saini says BJP alliance is with Punjab people, slams AAP's "misleading" claims
On August 10, 2026, Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Chief Minister, stated the BJP alliance is with the people of Punjab. He responded to speculation regarding a potential alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for the 2027 election following a meeting between Narendra Modi and Sukhbir Singh Badal in New Delhi. Saini accused Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of misleading voters.
Sukhbir Singh Badal proposes 3 lakh posts and Rs 4 per kg wheat
On October 6, Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), launched the 'Punjab Bachao' campaign in Doda village, Gidderbaha. Seeking feedback for a 2027 Punjab Assembly election manifesto, Badal addressed drug issues and unemployment. He proposed providing 50 kg wheat at Rs 4 per kg, pulses at Rs 20 per kg, filling 3 lakh posts, and increasing old-age pensions to Rs 3,100 per month.
Congress names Pargat Singh as Punjab unit chief to maintain community equations
On Friday, the Congress named former Olympic captain Pargat Singh as its Punjab state unit chief two days after Amarinder Singh Raja Warring resigned. Although Vijay Inder Singla was the frontrunner, the high command replaced one Jat Sikh with another to maintain community equations. Pargat Singh joined the party from Navjot Singh Sidhu's group and served in Charanjit Singh Channi's cabinet.
Harpal Singh Cheema slams Pargat Singh over drug silence and ₹147 crore sports budget
On October 3, 2026, Harpal Singh Cheema questioned Pargat Singh, the new Punjab Congress president appointed on October 2 after Amrinder Singh Raja Warring resigned. Cheema alleged Singh remained silent on drugs and sacrilege during his Shiromani Akali Dal tenure. He also criticized Singh's performance as Sports and Education Minister, citing a Supreme Court ruling setting aside 1,158 assistant professor recruitments and a ₹147 crore sports budget.
Pargat Singh appointed Punjab Congress president to curb power tussles before 2027 elections
On October 2, 2026, Pargat Singh was appointed Punjab Congress president, replacing Amrinder Singh Raja Warring before the 2027 Assembly elections. The 61-year-old former hockey captain and three-time MLA joined after Sachin Pilot submitted a report to the high command. The move aims to curb power tussles between Charanjit Singh Channi and Warring by utilizing Singh's non-controversial image.
Sukhbir Singh Badal to lead door-to-door campaign across 117 constituencies for 2027 elections
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) entered poll mode for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Sukhbir Singh Badal will lead a door-to-door campaign from October 6 to October 25 across 117 constituencies, followed by a manifesto release on November 1 and a bus yatra starting November 10 from Talwandi Sabo. Harsimrat Kaur Badal launches an anti-drug campaign on October 5.
Sukhbir Singh Badal launches 'Vibe Punjab Di' to engage Gen-Z voters before 2027 elections
Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, launched the 'Vibe Punjab Di' programme in Patiala to engage Gen-Z voters before the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. He discussed development, his father Parkash Singh Badal, and past achievements like AIIMS, IIT, and IISER. Badal urged students to choose "the development man" while highlighting modernizing agriculture through technologies like hydroponics.
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring resigns as Punjab Congress president ahead of 2027 elections
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring resigned as Punjab Congress president on Wednesday night, six months before the 2027 elections. The party expects to name a successor within 48 hours, with Vijay Inder Singla, Pargat Singh, and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa in the race. Sachin Pilot replaced Bhupesh Baghel as Punjab in-charge on September 5 to unify factions against the AAP government.
