The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) announced an indefinite morcha starting September 1, with a symbolic “ardas” at Akal Takht on August 31. From Gurdwara Amb Sahib, batches of 500 protestors will march to the Panchayat Bhawan, the residence of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, continuing daily dharnas until the land pooling scheme is revoked. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal called the policy coercive and warned of Lt ₹30,000 crore being channelled into Kejriwal’s ambitions. He also invited rebel SAD members to rejoin, accusing authorities of persecuting Bikram Singh Majithia in what he termed a political witch-hunt—details of which will be raised with the governor. This organized mass mobilization is a strategic escalation by SAD, positioning itself as the farmer protector and directly challenging the AAP government’s legitimacy on land rights. The use of religious symbolism (ardaas) underscores SAD’s cultural roots and appeal. The mimicked march to Arvind Kejriwal’s temporary residence indicates the protest has high political theater. SAD’s reconciliation appeal to deserters aims to consolidate strength before the morcha. On the ground, this threatens prolonged unrest and tests administrative endurance. SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal called the policy a “coercive land grab” and a “Rs 30,000 crore deal with builders of Delhi.” He accused the AAP government of trying to loot Punjab’s land to raise funds for the party’s political expansion. Badal stated that the protest would begin with an ‘ardas’ at Akal Takht on August 31, followed by the first ‘jatha’ marching from Gurdwara Amb Sahib to the Panchayat Bhawan, which he mockingly referred to as Arvind Kejriwal’s “new Sheesh Mahal.” The protest will see continuous participation from party workers until the policy is completely revoked.
