The Shiromani Akali Dal has decided to proceed with its pre-scheduled “Punjab Bachao” rallies despite the attack on party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Senior party leader Daljit Singh Cheema confirmed that the rally programme would continue as planned, stressing that the incident would not weaken the party’s determination to raise issues concerning Punjab and Punjabis. However, the party has not yet clarified whether Sukhbir Badal will personally lead or address the upcoming programmes.

Cheema maintained that attempts to disrupt the Akali Dal’s political activities would not affect its mobilisation plans. He said the party remained committed to its political campaign and expressed confidence that efforts to undermine its resurgence would be overcome with the support of the Akal Purakh, the Gurus and the sangat. The decision to continue the rallies is being viewed as an effort by the party to project organisational strength following the attack on its president.

Sukhbir Badal’s possible participation in the rallies has assumed added significance following the security incident. If he addresses the gatherings, his appearance could underline the party’s message of resilience, while also bringing renewed attention to questions surrounding his security. If he does not participate, the Akali Dal will have to maintain its political mobilisation while taking into account concerns over the safety of its senior leadership.

Also Read: J&K Assembly’s Autumn Session Scheduled To Begin On September 21

The attack has also prompted strong reactions from other Akali leaders. Bikram Majithia described it as a “major conspiracy to eliminate Punjab’s moderate leadership” and raised concerns over repeated attacks involving Sukhbir Badal. He referred to the incident as the second deadly attack on the Akali Dal president inside a Guru Ghar in one and a half years and questioned who was behind attempts to target party leaders. Majithia also indicated that the party would continue to raise the issue publicly.

The incident has revived broader concerns within the Akali Dal about the security of Punjab’s moderate political leadership. Such concerns carry particular significance given the state’s history of militancy, when political and religious figures were frequently caught in cycles of violence. The latest developments have therefore placed the party’s political programme alongside a wider debate over the safety of leaders and the security environment in Punjab.

The upcoming “Punjab Bachao” rallies could also provide the Akali Dal with an opportunity to assess public sentiment following the attack. The party faces the challenge of demonstrating political resilience while avoiding additional security risks for its leadership. Whether the rallies generate public sympathy, strengthen the party’s mobilisation or intensify political competition in Punjab will become clearer as the programme progresses.

Also Read: Karnataka Cabinet Expansion Scheduled Tomorrow; Women Among Likely Inductees