Sukhbir Badal is also active in Panchayat elections in Punjab

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of widespread intimidation during the ongoing panchayat elections, warning that the ruling party will “pay a heavy price” in the upcoming Giddarbaha by-election.

Speaking to reporters, Badal said that in his four decades of political life, he had never witnessed such levels of bullying and pressure tactics against opposition candidates. He alleged that the state government was misusing administrative power to suppress democratic participation in rural areas.

Meanwhile, controversy has erupted in Tarn Taran district after Gurpal Dhotian, who faces charges related to an alleged illicit liquor case, was elected unopposed as panch of Dhotian village with reported backing from the ruling AAP. Local reports suggest no other candidate filed nomination papers against him, and he was supported by state minister Laljit Singh Bhullar.

The allegations come as the Punjab and Haryana High Court has already stayed panchayat elections in nearly 300 villages over similar complaints of irregularities and intimidation. The state election commission has yet to respond to the latest developments.