Panthic Politics Dominates Chhapar Mela as Akali Factions Face Off

The traditional Chhapar Mela in Ludhiana district became a direct political contest between Sukhbir Singh Badal's Shiromani Akali Dal and Amritpal Singh's Akali Dal.

Major ruling and opposition parties stayed away from the village fair, leaving the two Akali factions to test their organisational strength six months ahead of assembly elections.

Waris Punjab Dr leader Manpreet Singh Ayali raised Panthic issues and agricultural concerns, while Sukhbir Badal accused Ayali of attempting to divide the Sikh vote.