Bholath, Nov. 15 -- Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday asserted that the Akali Dal is the "only option to save Punjab," while mounting a sharp attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over alleged focus on publicity, rising state debt, and safety issues in buses under the state's pilgrimage scheme.

Addressing a gathering in Bholath on a day when former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Bibi Jagir Kaur rejoined the party, Badal said the SAD has always respected all religions and worked for the welfare of every section of society.

Recalling the tenure of former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, he stated that special welfare schemes had been introduced for all...