The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is preparing to intensify its political outreach with the launch of the second phase of its “Punjab Bachao” rallies from Guruharsahai in Ferozepur district on August 16.The party has planned more than 20 rallies across the state during August and September, besides three major conferences at Isru, Longowal and Baba Bakala. The Issru conference is scheduled for August 15, a day before the Guruharsahai rally.The SAD’s youth wings — the Youth Akali Dal and the Students’ Organisation of India — are also set to organise protests over the alleged paper leak issue. Some SAD leaders said the campaign would focus on highlighting the work done during previous SAD-led governments, raising public issues and presenting the party’s roadmap for Punjab ahead of the state polls.The outreach comes as SAD attempts to strengthen its organisation, reconnect with voters and improve its political position ahead of the state polls. The party has faced electoral setbacks in recent years and is working to revive its base across Punjab. SAD senior vice-president Tejinder Singh Middukhera said, “The second phase of the rallies will begin from August 16. We are informing people about the works done by the SAD government in the past.” —TNS