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 Massive preparations underway in Moga as party moves to centre-stage of Punjab politics, hinting at no revival of alliance with SAD

Chandigarh:  With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections drawing closer, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing to move to the centre-stage of the state’s political contest through Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s ‘Badlav Rally’ in Moga. The rally is widely seen within political circles as the party’s formal launch of its election campaign in Punjab and a clear indication that the BJP is preparing to fight the next Assembly polls on its own strength.

The event also suggests that there may be little scope for a revival of the BJP’s old alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which broke in 2020 over the now-repealed farm laws. Despite occasional efforts by sections of the state leadership — including former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar — to explore the possibility of reconciliation, the party’s current preparations point to a standalone electoral strategy.

Massive Mobilisation for ‘Badlav Rally’

The scale of preparations for the rally underscores the BJP’s ambitions in Punjab. According to party sources, elaborate arrangements are being put in place at the venue in Moga, with langar planned for nearly 60,000 people and a massive stage capable of accommodating around 80 leaders.

Separate seating arrangements are being made for over 250 media representatives. At the same time, 30 buses from each of Punjab’s 117 Assembly constituencies are being mobilised to ferry party workers and supporters to the rally venue.

Party leaders say the rally will mark the formal sounding of the poll bugle for 2027, as the BJP attempts to position itself as a credible alternative to the ruling AAP and the Congress in the state.

Optics and Messaging Under Focus

Apart from the political message, several symbolic aspects of the rally are generating discussion within the party. One of the key questions being debated is whether Amit Shah will arrive wearing a Sikh turban or be presented one on stage, a gesture often used to signal outreach to Punjab’s Sikh community.

There is also curiosity about whether Shah will address the gathering partly in Punjabi, a move that party insiders say could resonate strongly with the local audience.

Leadership Line-Up on Stage

Equally significant is the order in which senior leaders will address the rally, as it is being closely watched for indications about the party’s internal hierarchy in Punjab.

Sources said the speaking roster is expected to include Capt Amarinder Singh, former state president Ashwani Sharma, and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, before state president Sunil Jakhar delivers the final address ahead of Amit Shah.

Jakhar is expected to anchor the build-up to Shah’s speech, while Capt Amarinder wife Preneet Kaur is likely to represent the party’s women leadership on stage.

Political observers are interpreting the prominence given to these leaders as a signal of their standing within the BJP’s evolving leadership structure in Punjab.

Key Punjab Issues Likely to Feature

Shah’s address is expected to address several long-standing political and economic issues in Punjab, including the state’s share of river waters, the unresolved Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute, and the demand to transfer Chandigarh to Punjab.

Party leaders also expect him to raise concerns over unemployment, law and order, and drug abuse, while outlining the BJP’s roadmap for the state’s development.

Political observers believe the speech will attempt to position the BJP as a nationally backed alternative capable of addressing Punjab’s structural challenges, while also projecting the party’s vision for economic revival and governance reforms.

Final Preparations Underway

Ahead of the rally,  Preneet Kaur met Amit Shah in New Delhi and briefed him about the political situation in Punjab. State president Sunil Jakhar is overseeing the overall preparations for the event, while senior BJP leader Anil Sarin has been designated as the rally in-charge. With the ‘Badlav Rally’, the BJP hopes to reset its political narrative in Punjab, mobilise grassroots workers, and signal its intent to play a central role in the state’s 2027 elections.