Sukhbir Badal, Jakhar Seek Early Model Code in Punjabਸੁਖਬੀਰ ਬਾਦਲ, ਜਾਖੜ ਨੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਲਦੀ ਚੋਣ ਜ਼ਾਬਤਾ ਮੰਗਿਆ

Punjab's opposition has opened a fresh front on law and order. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Punjab BJP leader Sunil Jakhar have both asked for the Model Code of Conduct to be brought in early, as an Election Commission team reviews poll readiness for the 2027 assembly elections. The AAP government has not yet responded to the demands.

What did Sukhbir Badal say?

The Tribune reported that Badal accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party of causing a complete breakdown of law and order and urged the Election Commission to impose the code and announce elections at the earliest. He was chairing a meeting of SAD halqa in-charges. "The administration has completely collapsed. CM Mann appears to have abandoned the field," he said, according to the Tribune.

Hindustan Times reported that Badal told a press conference he was open to an alliance with any party that accepts his party's principles, but ruled out the Congress and AAP. He stopped short of confirming progress towards a BJP tie-up. SAD has also planned a statewide bus yatra from November 15, earlier set for November 10 but deferred for the festive season.

Why is Sunil Jakhar seeking the code?

The Statesman reported that Jakhar wrote to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on October 29, asking him to recommend early enforcement of the code. He cited an October 27 order by the Abohar sub-divisional magistrate declining permission for an anti-drug marathon planned for November 1, on the basis of a police report on security arrangements. Jakhar argued this contradicted the government's claims of peace.

He also pointed to the confrontation in Mansa over the body of a young man named Daljit. Police have registered a case against unidentified protesters, while the family disputes the police account. These allegations and the competing accounts have not been independently verified, and no government response to Jakhar's letter was available.

What happens next?

The Model Code of Conduct normally comes into force only after the Election Commission announces a poll schedule, so the demand is political rather than procedural. The commission's district-wise review of readiness across Punjab's 23 districts is the main process to watch.

Can the Model Code of Conduct be imposed before elections are announced?

Ordinarily no. It is enforced after the Election Commission announces the schedule, as the Statesman noted.

Is Sukhbir Badal joining the BJP alliance?

Not confirmed. He said SAD is open to any party except Congress and AAP, but gave no timeline, according to Hindustan Times.

When is the SAD bus yatra?

It is planned from November 15, covering two constituencies a day.