In a tumultuous turn of events, supporters of Shiromani Akali Dal engaged in a heated clash during a gathering in Bathinda, Punjab. The altercation escalated to the point where chairs were hurled amidst chaotic scenes at a private resort hosting the program. Videos capturing the tumultuous scenes have emerged, showcasing the intensity of the clash that enveloped the entire resort in disorder.The scheduled program, organized by the youth wing of Shiromani Akali Dal, was meant to rally support for Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the partys declared candidate from Bathinda. However, before her arrival, tensions flared, leading to the postponement of the event.Roots of conflictThe confrontation stemmed from a dispute between factions during the program, highlighting underlying tensions within the party. Despite the absence of prominent leaders during the initial fracas, the severity of the clash prompted organizers to call off the proceedings.Wider political contextThis incident is not isolated, as political clashes have been witnessed elsewhere in Punjab. Recently, on April 14, a similar clash erupted among BJP supporters during a booth-level meeting in Ludhiana, Punjab, further indicating the charged atmosphere surrounding the upcoming elections.Watch the video here:Visuals from Bathinda show a scuffle involving workers of the Youth Akali Dal before the start of a program where Harsimrat Kaur Badal was invited to speak with the youth at a youth gathering. Later, the organizers controlled the situation. pic.twitter.com/GEhUFS7BSM— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) April 28, 2024Harsimrat Kaur Badal saysOn the other hand, Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur lashed out on BJP stating, All of these came 15 years ago too but were never seen again. These new people will also not be visible after May 1... If the voting happens today, all of them would have lost today.#WATCH | Bathinda, Punjab: Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal says, All of these came 15 years ago too but were never seen again. These new people will also not be visible after May 1... If the voting happens today, all of them would have lost today... pic.twitter.com/SaeroPJcEg— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2024Political dynamics ahead of Lok Sabha electionsWith voting scheduled for June 1 across Punjabs 13 Lok Sabha seats, political fervor is at an all-time high. The contest sees robust competition between Shiromani Akali Dal, Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, and BJP, with no pre-election alliances in place. Despite earlier discussions between the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal, a formal agreement remains elusive, underscoring the intense campaigning efforts of all political players in the state.
