Voters are emotionally connected to the “takdi” emblem. Daljit Singh Cheema

Over the years, senior Akali leader Daljit Singh Cheema has come to be known by monikers such as “old warhorse,” “man for all seasons,” “SAD’s crisis man,” and so on. He was first nominated by the party for Anandpur Sahib. Cheema was not even a contender for the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha constituency.

SAD’s survey findings, however, revealed a different picture. They emphasized the fact that Cheema was the only senior leader with a chance of winning. The arrangement was quickly signed by the party’s think-tank, which is headed by Sukhbir Singh Badal. Identifying as an insider, Cheema said in an interview with Ravi Dhaliwal that he does not see himself as an outsider. Compared to other native Gurdaspuris, I am more native.

Rival parties have labeled you as an outsider. Are you truly that much of an outsider?

My birthplace is Mari Bhuchian hamlet, situated inside the Gurdaspur district. This is where I completed my matriculation at the public school. In 2002, I ran in my first election from the Gurdaspur-based Sri Hargobindpur Assembly seat. How then am I to be called an outsider? Together with former cabinet minister Sewa Singh Sekhwan, I founded the All India Minorities and Dalit Front in Gurdaspur, which aimed to promote the general development of minority populations.

How challenging would it be for you to win the seats in Bhoa, Pathankot, and Sujanpur, which are controlled by Hindus?

Yes, in these areas, we are disadvantaged. I will undoubtedly need to put in a lot of effort here. In these sectors, we have already designated halqa in-charges. I shall be chairing meetings of the Pathankot unit of the SAD office-bearers in the coming days. Before creating an extensive strategy for these seats, I will solicit feedback. It is not a difficult job. Now that they are no longer bound by the BJP, workers feel emancipated.

In the Sikh-majority seats of Batala, Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur City, Qadian, and Fatehgarh Churian, what is the reaction?

The fact that SAD is battling on its own excites our employees. Specific assignments have been given to senior leaders with the goal of securing each of these seats. Based on previous performances, the Akalis have consistently delivered outstanding results here. The BJP is weak in these five seats if it is strong in Pathankot. You ought to have seen the outstanding reception I had at my very first meeting at Naushera Majha Singh, located in the Batala section.

Will running for office on the SAD party symbol matter?

Indeed, beyond a shadow of a doubt. Our followers used to have to choose the BJP’s “lotus” emblem in order to vote. People will now cast their votes for the “takdi” emblem. This emblem has a great deal of emotional significance, especially in rural areas. There is a belief among the villagers that progress would occur if they voted for their own “takdi.” Voters were never impressed with the “lotus.”

There is a sizable Christian voter base in the area. Their vote share used to be split between three or four parties. How are you going to handle it this time?

I am scheduled to meet with Christian leaders on many occasions. A few of them have already said to me that they would vote for us this time because they are tired of the Congress, AAP, and BJP. They have certain requests, and after I win, I will absolutely comply.

In what way would you want to see more pilgrims pass via the Kartarpur corridor?

There should be an exception to the passport requirement. There should be a permission system implemented. I am going to bring this up with the Home Ministry. In rural regions, there aren’t many passport holders. This implies that they are unable to offer prayers at the Pakistani shrine.