In a significant shift from its longstanding alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is gearing up to contest the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat independently, marking the first time since 1996 that the party will field a candidate under its symbol ‘takdi’ or scales. This move sets the stage for a dramatic showdown with its former ally, which has historically relied on star power to secure victory in the constituency.
The SAD’s decision to contest solo follows its withdrawal from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance in 2020, citing opposition to the now-repealed farm laws. The party’s senior vice president and veteran leader, Daljit Singh Cheema, has been nominated as its candidate for the Gurdaspur seat, reflecting a strategic shift in its electoral strategy.
Addressing the media, Cheema expressed enthusiasm among SAD workers for the party’s independent candidacy in Gurdaspur and emphasized the emotional attachment associated with the party symbol ‘takdi’. He highlighted the SAD’s historical presence in the constituency, noting its previous contest in the 1996 general elections.
Responding to BJP’s allegations of being an “outsider”, Cheema reaffirmed his local roots, citing his birth in Mari Buchian village and his educational background in the region. He dismissed BJP’s reliance on Bollywood stars in previous elections, attributing the party’s shift towards local candidates to mounting “negativity” among voters.
In contrast to previous elections where the BJP fielded actors like Vinod Khanna and Sunny Deol, the party has nominated local leader and former MLA Dinesh Singh Babbu as its candidate this time. Cheema seized upon this change, highlighting the BJP’s struggle to find suitable local candidates and the SAD’s historical role in ensuring their electoral success.
The Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat, once a Congress stronghold, witnessed a shift with the BJP’s introduction of Bollywood star candidates. However, the recent nomination of local leaders by both SAD and BJP indicates a departure from this trend, signaling a renewed focus on grassroots politics and regional issues.
As the electoral battle intensifies, candidates from both parties face challenges on the campaign trail, including farmer protests and public discontent. The outcome of the Gurdaspur constituency will not only shape the political landscape of Punjab but also serve as a barometer of public sentiment towards the ruling government’s policies and governance.