The Bharatiya Janata Party held its inaugural political conference in Muktsar on Wednesday. The event coincided with the Maghi festival. The party clearly positioned itself as a credible alternative for Punjab's voters.
Double-Engine Promise and Solo Ambition
BJP leaders made a strong pitch for a "double-engine" government. They argued that having the party in power both at the Centre and in the state would accelerate development. The leadership asserted the BJP would not require support from any other political party to bring progress to Punjab. This rally signals the party's early campaigning efforts for the 2027 assembly elections.
Haryana's Example and Criticism of Rivals
Union ministers and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini attended the conference. Saini, wearing a saffron turban, highlighted his state's achievements under BJP rule. He directly compared Haryana's progress with Punjab's situation.
Saini stated Haryana procures nearly two dozen crops at Minimum Support Price. He questioned why resource-rich Punjab could not achieve the same. The Haryana CM accused the AAP government of failing to ensure transparent delivery of central schemes to Punjab's people.
He also recalled last year's floods in Punjab. Saini claimed that while Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was hospitalized and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal returned to Delhi, Haryana provided support. He mentioned visiting Mann to enquire about his health during that crisis.
Law and Order Concerns and Political Attacks
Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh, and MP Anurag Thakur jointly addressed the gathering. They accused the AAP government of failing to control deteriorating law and order in Punjab.
The leaders also criticized the Congress party. They alleged the Congress has failed as the principal opposition and remains internally divided.
Punjab BJP President Outlines Key Challenges
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar identified the state's biggest problems. He listed drugs, corruption, gangsterism, and poor law and order as primary concerns. Jakhar asserted only a BJP government could effectively address these challenges.
He highlighted initiatives of the Modi government, including the Kartarpur corridor. Jakhar also condemned a recent remark by Congress Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel. Baghel had called it a mistake to project Charanjit Singh Channi as the party's main face ahead of the 2022 assembly elections.
Jakhar claimed Punjab's voters reject divisions based on caste or religion. He emphasized the BJP's commitment to unified development for all communities.
The Muktsar rally demonstrated the BJP's strategy to directly challenge both the ruling AAP and the opposition Congress. By invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and contrasting Punjab's development with Haryana's progress, the party aims to build momentum for the next electoral battle.
