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SAD (Punar Surjit) releases vision document for 2027 Punjab elections
Party president Giani Harpreet Singh says 40% of tickets will be allocated to youth and 35% to women for ensuring inclusive political participation
The Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) on Thursday unveiled its vision document for the 2027 Punjab assembly elections, promising 40% representation for youth and 35% for women, while outlining a panthic agenda focused on economic revival and social reform.
The SAD (Punar Surjit) was formed on August 11, 2025, following a split from the Sukhbir Singh Badal-led SAD. Emerging from the SAD Sudhar Lehar (reform movement), the faction positions itself as a revivalist force seeking to restore traditional panthic values and present an alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
The document was released by party president Giani Harpreet Singh, a former Akal Takht jathedar, in the presence of senior leaders Iqbal Singh Jhundan, Surjit Singh Rakhra and Bibi Jagir Kaur. It lays out a comprehensive roadmap covering key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and employee welfare.
In a bid to broaden its appeal, the party reiterated that 40% of tickets would be allocated to youth and 35% to women, signalling an effort to promote inclusive political participation.
Highlighting Punjab’s financial distress, Giani Harpreet said the state’s economic condition has deteriorated sharply. “Promises were made to make Punjab debt-free, but the debt burden has only increased,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the state’s youth, stating that many are becoming directionless and are increasingly influenced by misleading information on social media. The proposed quota for youth and women, he added, is aimed at bringing fresh leadership into the political mainstream.
‘Talks with Waris Punjab De at advanced stage’
On the prospect of an alliance with Waris Punjab De, led by Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, the party president said discussions are in an advanced stage. A common minimum programme would be announced once talks are finalised, he said.
The chief ministerial face would be announced only after the alliance is sealed. He added that the party remains open to an alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), provided the latter takes “concrete and credible steps” towards such a partnership.
Candidates to be Amritdhari or observant Sikhs
Reiterating the party’s ideological stance, Giani Harpreet Singh said its candidates would be Amritdhari or observant Sikhs, underlining that the party’s primary objective is to uphold panthic maryada rather than merely attain power. He added that his personal vision is to reconnect people with the teachings of Guru Nanak, particularly the principle of “Kirat Karo”.
The party also renewed its commitment to securing the ‘scales’ (takri) election symbol and emphasised panthic unity as a core objective. Raising concerns over India’s federal structure, the leadership alleged that successive constitutional changes have centralised power excessively within the Union government. The vision document commits the party to advocating greater autonomy for states.
Central to its ideological framework is the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, which the party has pledged to uphold. Adopted in 1973, the resolution calls for greater federal autonomy, the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab, and a more balanced distribution of powers between the Centre and states, while safeguarding the political, economic, and cultural rights of the Sikh community.
Responding to a question on why Amritpal Singh has not been brought to Punjab, Giani Harpreet said the government appears apprehensive, fearing a challenge to its authority.
Senior leader Iqbal Singh Jhunda said the Anandpur Sahib Resolution would serve as the party’s guiding framework. He added that the manifesto advocates equal representation for all states in the Rajya Sabha and commits to addressing Punjab’s issues through both democratic struggle and governance.
On the BJP’s stated reluctance to form alliances in Punjab, Giani Harpreet said his party is not seeking favours. “We are open to alliances with like-minded parties willing to accept the demands of Punjab and the Sikh community,” he said.
