The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is forging ahead in Punjab’s political landscape sans its former ally, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which exited the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the now-repealed farm laws. Banking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurances, the BJP aims to secure several of the 13 parliamentary seats in Punjab.
During a recent campaign in the state, PM Modi highlighted Punjab’s pivotal role in nation-building and lamented the historical neglect of Kartarpur Sahib. Modi emphasized that, if in power in 1971, he would have secured Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan in exchange for prisoners of war, underscoring Congress’s failure in this regard.
The Modi government has cited the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor for visa-free access to Guru Nanak’s last resting place as a significant achievement.
Meanwhile, the BJP has capitalized on the Delhi excise policy controversy and the arrest of top Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders to undermine Arvind Kejriwal’s anti-corruption stance. Allegations against Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, of assaulting Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal at the chief minister’s residence have further tarnished AAP’s election campaign.
Union Minister Smriti Irani accused Kejriwal of betraying Maliwal, while BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi questioned Kumar’s presence at Kejriwal’s residence. A BJP insider noted that Maliwal’s allegations could erode any public sympathy for Kejriwal amid his legal battles.
With these developments, the BJP aims to consolidate its position in Punjab and Delhi ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
