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Union Home Minister invokes Sikh legacy, promises law against conversions and ‘final blow’ to drug menace.

Moga/Chandigarh:  Launching the Bharatiya Janata Party’s campaign for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday addressed a massive ‘Badlav Rally’ in Moga, attacking the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government and calling for a decisive political change in the state.

Arriving at the venue wearing a saffron turban, Shah was greeted with a thunderous standing ovation from thousands of party workers and supporters who had gathered for the rally at Killi Chahlan village in the politically crucial Malwa belt.

Opening his speech with Sikh and nationalist slogans—“Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal”, “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh”, and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”—Shah sought to strike a cultural chord with the audience while formally launching the BJP’s electoral push in the state. Highlighting that the day coincided with the beginning of the new year in the Nanakshahi calendar, Shah said his saffron turban symbolised respect for the teachings and sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus.

Call for ‘Vijay Sankalp’ in 2027

Addressing the gathering, Shah urged people to take a “Vijay Sankalp” (pledge for victory) to bring a BJP government to power in Punjab in the next Assembly elections. Amid chants of “Vande Mataram” from the crowd, he asked supporters to raise their hands in support of political change. The rally, attended by thousands of party workers, is widely seen as the formal launch of the BJP’s campaign for the 2027 Assembly polls in Punjab.

Invokes Sikh Legacy, Kartarpur Corridor

Invoking the legacy of the Sikh Gurus, Shah said the BJP had consistently worked to protect Sikh religious sites located outside India. Referring to the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, he said the pilgrimage route became possible due to the BJP government’s determination. Shah also remarked that had the BJP been in power at the time of Independence, Kartarpur Sahib would have remained part of India.

Sharp Attack on Congress and AAP

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, Shah accused the party of being responsible for the attack on the Akal Takht and creating divisions between Hindus and Sikhs. He asserted that “Hindu–Sikh unity” was the foundation of Punjab’s progress and said only a BJP government could strengthen this social harmony.

Targeting the AAP government led by Bhagwant Singh Mann, Shah alleged that Punjab had been pushed into corruption, drugs and crime under what he described as a “remote-controlled government.” He promised that if the BJP came to power in 2027, it would introduce a strict law against forced religious conversions and launch a decisive crackdown on the drug menace.

‘Double-Engine Government’ Pitch

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, who also addressed the rally, said the large turnout reflected growing support for the BJP in Punjab. He argued that people now wanted a “double-engine government”—with the BJP ruling both at the Centre and in the state. Bittu also accused the AAP government and its national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, of pushing Punjab towards a financial crisis due to poor fiscal management.

Law-and-Order Concerns Raised

BJP working president Ashwani Sharma urged Shah to intervene to restore law and order in Punjab. Referring to recent incidents of violence and drug abuse, Sharma said the state’s youth—once known for their hard work in fields and achievements in sports—were increasingly falling victim to addiction. “Today, the same youth are being found lifeless in drains, consumed by intoxication,” he said.

Jakhar Targets Congress

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar also criticised the Congress for what he described as its silence over the alleged failures of the AAP government. He said internal factionalism within the Congress had weakened its ability to act as an effective opposition. “Today, no citizen feels safe. Only a BJP government can restore stability and ensure development in Punjab,” Jakhar said.

Political Signals from the Rally

While several senior BJP leaders attended the rally, former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh was notably absent. However, Patiala MP Preneet Kaur and her daughter Jai Inder Kaur were present at the venue. Held in the Malwa region, which accounts for 69 of Punjab’s 117 Assembly seats, the rally carried strong political symbolism as the BJP seeks to expand its base in a state where it has traditionally played a limited electoral role. With the ‘Badlav Rally’, the BJP signalled its intention to position itself as a major challenger in Punjab’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.