Embarking on a month-long journey, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) led by Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday commenced its widely-publicized ‘Punjab Bachao Yatra’ from the Attari border in Amritsar, with plans to traverse five parliamentary and 45 assembly constituencies in the first phase.

Commencing the yatra, Sukhbir paid his respects at the Sri Akal Takht Sahib — Sikhs’ highest temporal seat — and officially flagged off the yatra from the Attari region. The yatra will navigate through constituencies, providing Sukhbir opportunities to connect with the voters ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha elections.

Sukhbir, during the launch, called for the reopening of the international border at Attari for trade and demanded increased compensation for farmers cultivating land beyond the barbed wire fence in Indian territory. Thousands gathered at Attari to join the yatra, which received enthusiastic support along its route through Attari and Raja Sansi constituencies.

SAD chief also engaged with border farmers during the yatra, discussing the impact of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) closure at Wagah on their livelihoods. The farmers expressed grievances about the lack of compensation for land beyond the barbed wire fence and called for moving the fence closer to the zero line. They demanded a compensation increase to Rs 35,000 per acre for all 21,600 acres of land beyond the fence.

Sukhbir affirmed the SAD's commitment to the farmers, pledging efforts to secure increased compensation for losses incurred in borderland cultivation. He also expressed the party's intent to facilitate the resumption of trade at the international border for the overall economic rejuvenation of the region.

“Punjab Bachao Yatra aims to unveil alleged falsehoods of the AAP and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann while laying the groundwork for a pro-people government led by the SAD,” he said.

In February, the yatra is scheduled to cover the parliamentary constituencies of Amritsar, Khadoor Sahib, Ferozepur, Faridkot, and Bathinda, encompassing 45 assembly constituencies. Further areas will be included in March.

As a part of the campaign, SAD also unveiled a 4.48-minute ‘protest song’ — Utth Jaag Punjabiyo…Punjab Bacha Lo’ (Arise Punjabis, save Punjab) — set to resonate during the entire yatra. Days before, Sukhbir had also unveiled a calendar, featuring himself with his father and former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, with a caption ‘Vikas Purush’. The calendar also showcased the achievements of the previous SAD-led Governments.