Mohali (National Times): In a dramatic turn of events, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal was detained by Punjab Police in Mohali on Tuesday while he was on his way to Gurdwara Shri Amb Sahib to show support for fellow party leader Bikram Singh Majithia.
Badal’s detention follows a sharp escalation in political tensions between the Shiromani Akali Dal and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab. The move came just hours after Badal took to social media, accusing the Bhagwant Mann-led government of imposing what he termed an “undeclared emergency” in the state.
In his statement on X (formerly Twitter), Badal alleged that Akali workers heading to Mohali to stand in solidarity with Majithia were being prevented from doing so. “Akali workers proceeding to Mohali today for expressing solidarity with S. Bikram Singh Majithia, who has been framed in a false case by the Aam Aadmi Party govt, are being detained at their houses & even being stopped at ‘nakas’ put up on all major roads,” he wrote.
He further charged that such “repressive acts” were a sign of fear on the part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. “It is clear that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is rattled by the outpouring of support for Bikram,” said Badal, adding that his party would not be cowed by what he described as authoritarian tactics.
“Shiromani Akali Dal and its workers will not be deterred by such repressive acts. In the past also, Akalis have countered repression with people’s movements. Now also we will teach a befitting lesson to the corrupt and dictatorial Aam Aadmi Party regime with the support of Punjabis. Shiromani Akali Dal Zindabad!” his tweet concluded.
The incident has triggered strong reactions across political lines, with SAD supporters gathering at various locations in protest. There has been no official statement yet from the Punjab government or Mohali Police regarding the grounds for Badal’s detention.
This development adds another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding the arrest of SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who was recently taken into custody by the Vigilance Bureau in connection with a money laundering probe linked to drug trade allegations.
The situation in Mohali remains tense as SAD workers and leaders await further clarity and call for Badal’s immediate release.
