Punjab Deputy Chief Mininster Sukhbir Singh Badal has blamed the Congress for unrest in Punjab.
Punjab's ruling Shiromani Akali Dal in a show of strength at a rally in Bathinda today took on the Opposition parties and Sikh radical groups, which the Akali Dal leaders say, have orchestrated a two month long anti-government protests.
A large number of people turned up for the rally with ally BJP also deciding to back its ally in the state and at Centre, in a last minute U-turn. Taking the stage, the Badals openly challenged their political opponents for the next assembly elections.
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, said, "Today I announce war for 2017, with you all present in huge number... I challenge congress, Captain Amarinder Singh, Pratap Singh Bajwa to dislodge Akali rule."
The rally also caused much inconvenience to the local commuters with even ambulances stuck and traffic routes rerouted to allow the Badals and other VVIPs make it to the rally ground without a hassle.
However, the angry Sikh radical groups tried to stop Akali workers from reaching rally ground; acting on the call for a state-wide shutdown given by Akal Takht (a congregation on Sikh groups).
While the Congress accused Akali Dal of misusing state machinery, it was home coming for the Badals father-son duo in their stronghold in Bathinda.
Punjab has been marred by protests in the last two months, first over clemency to Sirsa Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in a blasphemy case, and later over cases of desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib.
The police last month allegedly opened fire on people sitting on a protest against the desecration of Guru Granth Sahib at Bargari village of Faridkot district in which two persons were killed and 37 others injured.