Amritsar: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal said today that the party would “not tolerate persecution” of its workers and fight against the “arrogant” Congress government. Addressing a large gathering on the 97th Foundation Day of the party here, Badal said a party office would be set up in Amritsar. Former chief minister and party patron Parkash Singh Badal, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Gobind Singh Longowal, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh and senior SAD leaders also addressed the gathering.

Former chief minister Badal said the party was formed to fight injustice and that it would continue on its path. “We have always been safeguarding personal freedom and liberty and will continue to do this,” he said. Addressing the gathering, Sukhbir Singh Badal said the party had fought for its state capital, Punjabi-speaking areas and river waters. “Even now, I am committed to leading any agitation from the front and will not allow repression against a single Akali worker,” he said. 

“I will lead the fight against the arrogant Congress govt. I warn the govt we will not tolerate persecution of any Akali worker,” he later tweeted. Stating that the SAD was the oldest party in the country founded by Indians, he told the gathering, “The Congress which was older was founded by an Englishman, Allan Octavian Hume.” He said that the party reached the stage because of the sacrifices made by its workers. The SAD president also gave the example of Parkash Singh Badal who, he said, had spent sixteen years in jail. He said that Parkash Singh Badal also had the privilege of serving as the chief minister for 19 years. 

“All development you see in Punjab be it airports, dam, thermal plants or four-lane roads, were built during his tenure. Badal Sahab is also responsible for introducing old age pension, Shagun scheme and Atta-Dal scheme. In direct contrast, the Congress government cannot lay claim to even one achievement or introduction of any social welfare scheme,” Sukhbir Singh Badal said. He announced that the party would establish a museum at its head office in Chandigarh and asked partymen to contribute old photographs and memorabilia.