Punjab Needs BJP-Akali Reunion!” Sunil Jakhar Warns of Rising Anti-Punjab Forces Before 2027 Polls
Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): Ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, political circles in the state are abuzz with talks of a major realignment. Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar has openly stated that a renewed alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is essential to form a stable government in Punjab.
In a recent interview, Jakhar emphasized that the BJP must reconnect with Punjab on the core principles of Sikh tradition—seva (service), samman (respect), and imaan (honesty). Drawing parallels to the 1996 political scenario, he said, “At that time, the BJP, as a national party, accepted a secondary position to Akali Dal for the greater good of a Punjab that was recovering from the dark days of terrorism. For decades, the BJP remained confined to 23 urban constituencies, while the Akalis dominated rural areas. The BJP’s growth stagnated, yet the party prioritized Punjab’s interests over its own. Unfortunately, this sacrifice was never truly appreciated.”
Jakhar warned that anti-Punjab forces are once again surfacing and stressed the need for BJP and Akalis to set aside political differences for the larger welfare of the state. He argued that even though the Akali Dal is no longer as politically formidable as it once was, the alliance would serve a larger social purpose and benefit Punjab in the long run.
He underlined that BJP’s mission in Punjab should go beyond electoral gains to winning the trust of the people. “Punjab is not just a piece of land. Its people deeply value their pride, culture, and identity. The ‘pagdi’ and ‘dastar’ are not mere attire—they symbolize self-respect. Punjab needs the support of the central government, but that support must come with dignity and warmth, not as political compensation,” Jakhar added.
He further said Punjab’s sense of self-respect and defiance is rooted in Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s teachings of standing against injustice and oppression. While BJP has not wronged Punjab in the past, he acknowledged that being in power at the Centre makes it the focal point of people’s resentment.
Jakhar also criticized the Congress, accusing it of failing to understand the essence of Punjabiyat—a spirit of secularism and inclusivity. He recalled how in 2021, when Captain Amarinder Singh resigned as Chief Minister, the Congress leadership denied him a comeback solely because he was Hindu. “Viewing Punjab through the lens of religion is wrong. Congress remains the biggest threat to Punjab’s identity and harmony,” he asserted.