Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar affirms party’s decision to contest all 13 seats amid farmer protests

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab state president, Sunil Jakhar, announced on Tuesday that the party would forge ahead independently in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, opting against forming an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Punjab. This decision comes in the wake of deliberations within the party and consultations with stakeholders across the state, as revealed by Jakhar in a statement shared on social media platform X.

Amidst ongoing farmer protests and concerns raised over agricultural policies, Jakhar emphasized the BJP’s commitment to the welfare of farmers and businesses in Punjab. He highlighted the procurement of every grain at Minimum Support Price (MSP) during the protests, ensuring timely payments to farmers. Additionally, Jakhar credited the Modi government for realizing long-standing aspirations such as the Kartarpur corridor, attributing its establishment to divine blessings and government initiatives.

The Kartarpur corridor, a symbol of religious harmony and accessibility for Sikh devotees, stands as a testament to the BJP’s efforts in addressing longstanding community demands. This sentiment resonates with the aspirations embedded in Sikh prayers for ‘khulle darshan’ (open view) of revered gurdwaras.

The decision to contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab independently marks a departure from the BJP’s previous electoral strategy, which included alliances with the SAD. The rift between the two parties emerged in September 2020 over disagreements regarding farm laws, leading to the termination of their alliance within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

In the backdrop of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where the SAD-BJP alliance failed to secure desired outcomes, the BJP’s decision to chart its electoral course independently signals a strategic shift. With the Congress emerging victorious in eight seats and the remaining seats divided among various contenders, including the BJP, SAD, and Aam Aadmi Party, the political landscape in Punjab appears poised for dynamic shifts in the upcoming polls.