Panthic Politics Takes Center Stage As Two Akali Dals Clash At Chhapar Mela Fair

NDTV•Published: Sep 26, 2026 10:13 PM IST

The traditional Chhapar Mela in Punjab's Malwa region became a battleground for Panthic supremacy as Sukhbir Singh Badal’s Shiromani Akali Dal faced off against the hardliner faction led by jailed MP Amritpal Singh. With major parties like AAP, Congress, and BJP absent, the event served as a high-stakes testing ground for both factions ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The contest highlighted a deepening divide within Sikh political representation as both groups vied for dominance over the traditional Panthic vote bank.

Political Rivalry: Sukhbir Badal’s SAD directly challenged the rising influence of Amritpal Singh’s 'Waris Punjab De' faction, which is positioning itself as a major contender for the 2027 assembly polls.
Strategic Messaging: Manpreet Singh Ayali, representing the Amritpal faction, focused on issues like drug eradication, agricultural reform, and the autonomy of Sikh institutions to broaden their appeal.
SAD Defense: Sukhbir Badal used the platform to defend his party's legacy, accusing rivals of colluding with the ruling AAP to fracture the Panthic vote while outlining his own governance agenda.

The Context & Background

Historically, political conferences at the Chhapar Mela have served as vital barometers for organizational strength and voter sentiment in Punjab. The absence of mainstream parties this year underscored the unique focus on religious-political identity, signaling a potential shift in the state's electoral landscape as new factions challenge established structures.

Why it matters:This clash signals a potential realignment in Punjab's political landscape, where traditional power structures are being challenged by hardline factions. If the 'Waris Punjab De' group successfully converts this mobilization into electoral support, it could significantly alter the outcome of future assembly seats and redefine the state's Panthic political discourse.

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