From racecourse To ‘Punjabis 1st’ jobs, Sukhbir unveils 2027 playbook

Qadian (Gurdaspur): Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal kickstarted the first phase of his party's campaign for the 2027 assembly elections by addressing a rally in Qadian, where he promised to give govt jobs only to Punjabis and even establish a racecourse for Marwari horses.Addressing the gathering, Badal outlined a sprawling vision for Punjab's future, balancing heavy infrastructure promises like "pucca bundhs" (cemented embankments) along rivers with populist welfare schemes, including Rs 10 lakh interest-free loans for youth. He also promised a "Punjabis only" policy for govt jobs.The SAD leader's rhetoric turned sharply aggressive as he levelled sensational allegations against chief minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann, claiming that he was getting ready to compromise with the state's river waters.Drawing a line over the SYL canal, he claimed that he and SAD leaders were ready to spill their blood. "But we will not allow even a drop of SYL water to flow out of the state," he said.He vowed a harsh policy against drugs and gangster menace, promising to "change laws to deny them bail for up to 10 years, besides auctioning their properties".To reclaim the state's sporting heritage, he announced the restart of the World Kabaddi Cup, the initiation of a new ‘Kushti Cup', and the promotion of traditional Pashu Melas. In a unique nod to niche rural interests, he even pledged the construction of a race course for Marwari horses and the encouragement of "kabootar baazi" (pigeon racing).Flanked by party loyalist Guriqbal Singh Mahal, Badal called the upcoming election as "a quest for peace, progress, and prosperity", asserting that the rally's energy proved Punjabis were eager for the return of the SAD and a resounding defeat for any party governed from the national capital.