At a time when Punjab’s border economy languishes, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal dropped a game-changing proposal on Saturday: reopen Attari and Fazilka borders and build a special industrial zone if SAD clinches power in 2027. The announcement from Attari underscores SAD’s focus on trade links with Central Asia.
Border shutdowns have hammered trade, Badal observed. His blueprint includes exporting perishables like fruits and vegetables, cementing Amritsar’s role as a trade nexus. This, he argued, would cascade benefits across the region.
Industries fleeing to incentive-rich hill states prompted Badal’s push for a dedicated border industrial area backed by financial perks. ‘We’re committed to sparking economic renewal,’ he declared, aiming to stem migration and foster local employment.
Badal didn’t hold back on critics, challenging Congress and AAP’s development credentials while touting SAD’s scorecard. From zero-cost tubewell electricity and irrigation upgrades to roads, airports, mandis, thermal plants, and welfare like subsidized food, pensions, and Shagun, SAD delivered, he claimed.
Dismissing national parties as power-hungry outsiders, Badal rallied for regional loyalty. Facing alleged smears from foes, he pledged unwavering service to Punjab’s interests and dignity. With elections looming, this pro-business agenda could galvanize support in trade-dependent areas, marking a strategic pivot for SAD.