GURDASPUR, Feb. 18 -- Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal launched the first phase of the party's election campaign from the Qadian assembly segment on Tuesday.

He outlined his vision for the state, including the welfare of farmers, pucca bundhs on rivers, upgraded welfare schemes for the weaker sections, Rs.10 lakh interest-free loans for the youth, government jobs for Punjabis only and an end to gangster culture and drug mafia.

However, SAD senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia skipped the rally organised by halqa in-charge Guriqbal Singh Mahal.

While addressing the rally, Sukhbir said, "Chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is not only corrupt and has acquired 2,500 acres in Australia, but is also readying to compromi...