The Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) on Tuesday organised the Baisakhi conference at Takht Damdama Sahib, overshadowing parallel events held by Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The rally saw speakers strongly backing jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh and pitching his elevation as Chief Minister in 2027 as the “only way” to secure his release from jail.The venue prominently displayed photographs of Amritpal Singh and Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, alongside Sikh figures such as Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Deep Sidhu and Jaswant Singh Khalra. Notably, photographs of the assassins of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi were also displayed at the entrance. Addressing the gathering, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa said that making Amritpal Singh the Chief Minister was the “only way” to secure his release. He warned that if his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) is extended again, the party would launch a large-scale agitation. “We will have just one way left — to make him Chief Minister so that he can sign his own release order. His fault was only to awaken people to revive the Sikh panth,” he said.Khalsa also raised concerns over crop damage caused by recent rain and hailstorms, demanding compensation for farmers.Several speakers echoed similar sentiments and announced plans to hold a major programme in Chandigarh. They criticised the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Badals, alleging that they had weakened the Sikh panth over the years. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was also targeted during the speeches.Amritpal’s father, Tarsem Singh, said that nearly two years after the parliamentary elections, his son continues to remain in jail despite repeated appeals. He alleged that key issues in Punjab remain unresolved, including sacrilege cases, the drug menace and unemployment. “No concrete action has been taken. The situation remains unchanged,” he said.Mandeep Singh Sidhu, brother of Deep Sidhu, asserted that “no one can stop the Khalsa Panth’s government” and claimed that two major laws — one on the release of “Bandi Singhs” and another on Punjab’s river waters — would be introduced once the party comes to power.Further, Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali criticised the SAD leadership, citing issues such as sacrilege, the exoneration of the Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, and farmer concerns. He claimed growing public support for Waris Punjab De and said that without a “Panthic government”, such issues could not be addressed.Gangster-turned-activist Lakhvir Singh Lakha Sidhana launched a sharp attack on rival parties, accusing them of betraying “Panthic interests”. He highlighted issues such as unemployment, water contamination, migration and alleged fake encounters. Baba Gurwinder Singh Kheri Wale spoke about the drug problem and demanded legalisation of poppy husk cultivation. Some speakers warned that failure to form the government this time could mean losing a crucial opportunity.SAD (A) president calls of Sikh unityAddressing the SAD (Amritsar) rally, its president and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann emphasised Sikh unity. Referring to the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh and the founding of the Khalsa in 1699, he said Baisakhi symbolises resistance against oppression and the pursuit of freedom. Mann alleged continued injustices against Sikhs and called for collective action on issues such as water sharing, unemployment and the non-release of Sikh prisoners.BSP pledges to uphold equality, justice and brotherhoodDr Nachhatar Pal, MLA Nawanshahr (SBS Nagar), was the main speaker at the BSP rally. Party supporters pledged to uphold equality, justice and brotherhood, and to follow Ambedkar’s ideals. They also vowed to follow the principles shown by the Sikh gurus.BJP leaders pay obeisanceBJP leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu and former MLA HS Phoolka, paid obeisance at Takht Damdama Sahib. Phoolka said he would continue to work for the state and criticised the manner in which laws on sacrilege cases were passed, alleging that cases were being shifted out of Punjab and that the government had failed to challenge court orders.Minister Khuddian pays obeisancePunjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian also paid obeisance and met Shiromani Panth Akali Budha Dal chief Baba Balbir Singh 96 crori. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had visited the shrine earlier on Sunday.SAD skips annual rallyThe Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) skipped its traditional Baisakhi rally this year, stating that it had already held its “Punjab Bachao Rally” at Talwandi Sabo on April 11. Party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal had paid obeisance that day. The Congress does not hold a rally here citing the 2017 Akal Takht edict that advised political parties not to hold rallies during religious events.Langars all the wayA large number of langars were organised along all roads leading to Talwandi Sabo, with devotees arriving in cars, tractor-trailers and public transport to pay obeisance on the occasion of Baisakhi.