BJP Gears Up To Go Solo In Punjab Polls, Shah Takes Charge; Focus On Dalit, Sikh Voters | Decoding Saffron Party's Strategy

Neelu Ranjan, New Delhi: Replicating its high-stakes poll strategy from West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is gearing up to contest the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections independently. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who scripted the BJP's victories in Bengal as well as in tough elections like Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, and Maharashtra, has taken charge of the Punjab campaign.

This development follows a high-level meeting in Delhi last week, where Shah reviewed the current political situation in Punjab and sharpened the BJP's strategy.

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BJP To Step Out Of Akali Dal For Punjab Elections

Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, BJP National President Nitin Nabin is set to begin a tour of Punjab on Saturday. The BJP, which has long operated under the shadow of the Akali Dal, is preparing to contest the assembly elections on its own this time.

While there are indications that the weakening Akali Dal may seek an alliance as a junior partner, Shah clarified that the party must prepare to secure a majority on its own.

Consequently, the discussions focused on weaknesses in the party's organisational structure and the necessary steps to rectify it. Shah also held discussions regarding the constituencies in Punjab's border districts with senior party leaders. The BJP has decided to make the drug problem, law and order, and religious conversions its main issues this time.

Through these core issues, the BJP aims to corner the ruling Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, while simultaneously targeting parties like the Congress and Akali Dal.

Special Campaign To Woo Dalit And Sikh Voters; PM Modi Expected To Join

Shah has directed Punjab BJP leaders to launch a specialised campaign targeting the state's Sikh and Dalit communities, mandating a series of dedicated events by senior central leaders. Following Nabin's tour, Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to make regular visits to Punjab to sustain this momentum.

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Highlighting widespread public discontent, senior Punjab BJP leader and newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh said that the Bhagwant Mann government has failed across all parameters.

Chugh noted that with a shrinking support base within the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and internal factionalism within the Punjab Congress, the BJP has an opportunity to position itself as a better alternative. The party is set to capitalise on this shifting political landscape by launching a massive public relations campaign in the coming weeks.

(With Inputs From Jagran.com)