The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has issued a strong ultimatum to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, demanding the immediate dismissal of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The party has warned that if the demand is not met, it will launch a Dharam Yudh Morcha — a religious agitation — starting July 19.
SAD gives one-month ultimatum to AAP government
SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal made the announcement, stating that the ultimatum will end on July 19. After that date, the party will begin a Dharam Yudh Morcha to force the ouster of CM Mann.
According to The Tribune, Badal also demanded that Mann should undergo a lie detector test and a facial expression test to prove his innocence regarding allegations against him.
Five-member panel formed to lead the agitation
Badal also announced the formation of a five-member panel that will oversee the party's strategy and actions. The panel is headed by senior Akali leader Sardar Balwinder Singh Bhunder.
The other members of the panel include Mahesh Inder Singh Grwal, Gulzar Singh Ranike, Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, and Amarjit Singh Chawla, as reported by The Tribune.
Video row escalates political tensions
The demand for Mann's removal comes amid a controversy over a video linked to the Chief Minister. The AAP has called the video "fake," while the SAD has used it to question Mann's credibility and has demanded a lie detector test.
According to The New Indian Express, the video row has escalated political tensions in the state, with both parties trading accusations.
Our Take: A high-stakes political gamble
In our view, the SAD's decision to launch a Dharam Yudh Morcha is a significant escalation in Punjab's political landscape. The party is clearly banking on religious sentiment and public anger over the video controversy to pressure the AAP government. However, the success of this move depends on whether the SAD can mobilize widespread support and whether the AAP government can weather the storm. The demand for a lie detector test is an unusual and dramatic step, indicating that the SAD is leaving no stone unturned in its campaign against Mann. This is a high-stakes gamble that could either revive the SAD's political fortunes or backfire if the public does not rally behind the call for a religious agitation.