Chhapar Mela Dedicated to the Panthic Conference

Chhapar Mela Dedicated to the Panthic Conference

Neither the Gujarat model nor the Delhi model—we will deliver the 'Maharaja Ranjit Singh' model of Punjab

'Waris Punjab De' sounds the bugle for 2027 from the Chhapar conference; leaders declare—Punjab has chosen its path

Chhapar (Ludhiana)/Chandigarh 26 September ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : The massive, surging crowd at the Panthic conference organized by the 'Waris Punjab De' group during the historic Chhapar fair has reshaped the landscape of Panthic and Punjab politics. The massive Panthic gathering held on the soil of Malwa for the first time has demonstrated that the people of Punjab place their trust in reliable and accountable leadership. Addressing the Panthic conference, Bapu Tarsem Singh, Acting President of the Akali Dal ‘Waris Punjab De’, stated that Punjab needs a form of politics that is not limited merely to attaining power, but instead places the interests of Punjab, Punjabis, and the *Sangat* at the core of its political agenda. He stated that over a long period, Punjab has given opportunities to various political parties, yet the state is still awaiting answers to fundamental questions concerning its water resources, agriculture, youth, employment, industry, and Sikh institutions. Bapu Tarsem Singh stated that, drawing inspiration from the philosophy of the Guru Sahibs, there is a need to build a people-centric politics that prioritizes equality, justice, service, and public welfare. He stated that the strengthening of Sikh institutions is a matter linked to the social and religious identity of Punjab; therefore, concrete steps should be taken to make them free from political interference, transparent, and accountable to the *Sangat* (congregation). Demanding that SGPC elections be held, they stated that the *Sangat* should have the right to elect its representatives.

“Neither the Gujarat model nor the Delhi model—Punjab’s own model is the model of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.” Manpreet Singh Ayali, a senior leader of the Akali Dal 'Waris Punjab De' and MLA from Dakha, made these remarks while addressing a Panthic conference organized by the party on the occasion of the historic Chhapar Mela. Ayali stated that for Punjab's development, there is no need for the Delhi or Gujarat models; instead, Punjab needs to formulate a development model suited to its own historical, social, and economic realities. He stated that, drawing inspiration from the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a model should be devised that places justice, public welfare, a prosperous farming community, robust trade, employment, and the future of the youth at its core.  A large number of devotees participated in the Panthic conference organized by Akali Dal Waris Punjab during the Chhapar Mela. During the conference, ‘Waris Punjab De’ presented its political direction and agenda, keeping the interests of Punjab at the forefront. The massive turnout of the *Sangat* at the 'Waris Punjab De' Panthic conference—held for the first time during the Chhapar Mela—has sent a significant political signal regarding the 2027 Assembly elections. The massive gathering at the conference is not merely an expression of the people's sentiments regarding Panthic and social issues; it also signals the direction in which the public is leaning regarding Punjab's future political course. The voice raised at Chhapar has made it clear that the people of Punjab are now looking towards a political alternative that places their politics, issues, and interests at the forefront. 

Addressing the large gathering, Manpreet Singh Ayali highlighted the development works undertaken in his Dakha constituency and remarked that initiatives carried out at the local level can lay the foundation for significant change. He recalled that during his tenure as Zila Parishad Chairman, projects involving natural water treatment methods were implemented in the constituency. He noted that these projects were acknowledged in reports by the Central Government, and subsequently, states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu adopted similar models. Ayali stated that such projects demonstrate that Punjab's villages and local bodies possess the potential to create innovative models of development. Highlighting his objective to elevate the Dakha constituency to new heights of development since becoming an MLA in 2012, Ayali stated that extensive sports infrastructure—including playgrounds and stadiums—was created in the area. He noted that the aim was not merely to provide sports facilities but also to engage the youth in sports, thereby keeping them away from drugs and other social evils. He remarked, "The model of development should not be limited to constructing roads and buildings; the true purpose of development should be to connect the youth with sports, education, productive work, and employment, and to strengthen the rural economy." Addressing the issue of drugs, Manpreet Singh Ayali stated that saving Punjab's youth from substance abuse is of paramount importance. He remarked that while various governments have promised to eradicate the drug menace, the situation on the ground remains dire. Today, the drug problem has become the most critical issue facing our youth and our future. Many governments have come and gone, each raising slogans about eliminating drugs and making Punjab drug-free; yet, the question remains: when will our youth emerge from the quagmire of addiction?

Driven by this very pain and concern, Bhai Amritpal Singh launched the ‘Khalsa Vaheer’ to steer the youth away from drugs and guide them back onto the right path. Through this campaign, young people were inspired to shun drugs, connect with Gurbani and the Sikh faith, and give a new direction to their lives. The very person who spearheaded this campaign to rescue the youth from the  Referring to the anti-drug march organized by the BJP, Ayali stated that Punjab needs concrete results rather than just political marches and slogans. He sought an explanation from the Central Government regarding the role of the BSF and central agencies in curbing cross-border drug smuggling. He remarked that both the central and state governments have failed to break the drug supply chain. Addressing the issue of farming, Iyali stated that the struggles and sacrifices of Punjab's farmers cannot be forgotten. He emphasized that instead of merely offering sympathetic statements regarding farmers' problems, there is a need for clear policies concerning MSP, agricultural input costs, debt, crop diversification, and the future of crops. He noted that farmers are the backbone of Punjab's economy, and the state's economic prosperity cannot be envisioned without strengthening the agricultural sector. Speaking further, Sardar Iyali remarked that industry is also a backbone of Punjab's economy, and a vision document for the industrial sector will be prepared in the near future in consultation with industry experts.

Speaking on the issue of Sikh institutions, Ayali stated that the long delay in holding SGPC elections has raised questions regarding the organization's management and accountability. He demanded that SGPC elections be conducted and that the administration be placed in the hands of representatives elected by the *Sangat* (congregation). He further emphasized the need to ensure transparent, merit-based, and accountable management within SGPC-run schools, colleges, and other institutions. Bhai Paramjit Singh Johal stated that the real issues concerning the people of Punjab should be at the core of the state's politics. He emphasized the need for clear policies on issues such as employment and a better future for the youth, a robust agricultural policy for farmers, a favorable environment for traders, the protection of Punjab's water resources, and the strengthening of Sikh institutions. He noted that while the people of Punjab have long given opportunities to various governments, the time has come to demand performance and accountability rather than settling for mere election-time promises. Bhai Sarbjit Singh Khalsa asserted that Punjab's voice must be raised forcefully to safeguard the state's interests, rights, water resources, and economic assets. He added that instead of being compelled to move abroad, the youth of Punjab should have access to education, employment, and business opportunities within their own state.

Party General Secretary Mandeep Singh Sidhu stated that the objective of ‘Waris Punjab De’ is not limited merely to electoral politics but extends to engaging Punjab's youth in social and political responsibilities. He remarked that there is no shortage of potential, talent, or energy among the youth of Punjab; they simply need the right direction and opportunities. He added that the party is working to understand the issues faced by the people—through direct dialogue in Punjab's villages and cities—and to incorporate these concerns into the political agenda. Mandeep Singh Sidhu emphasized that decisions regarding Punjab's future must be made with the needs and aspirations of its people in mind. He noted that uniting the public around issues concerning Punjab, assigning a constructive role to the youth, and charting a long-term course for the state are among the key priorities of ‘Waris Punjab De’. Babu Singh Brar, Kabul Singh, Darshan Singh Shivalik, Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Jaskaran Singh Kahansinghwala, Nihang Singh Baba Raj Singh, Sukhdev Singh Kadian, Bibi Harpreet Kaur, Jagroop Singh Khalsa, Balwinder Sekhon, Navjot Kaur Lambi, Harpreet Singh Baba Beli, Sandeep Singh Rupalon, Lakha Singh Sidhana, Gurdeep Bath, Baljinder Samrala, Rashpal Singh Soshan, Daler Singh Dod, Manpreet Singh Bholuwala, and others also addressed the gathering during the Panthic conference.