India’s politics is a child of democracy who is highly disobedient. Punjab, being a part of this country, is also facing the same problem. Political parties in this region are aimless when it comes to the betterment of the state. Four major parties are in the battleground, yet not even a single leader is matching the standards of a good politician. We, as responsible citizens, are disturbed by the financial, economic, and geographical issues affecting us.
Keeping in mind that “democracy is of the people, by the people, for the people”, I am writing this to decode the situation of today’s Punjab. In the current scenario, no party will be able to secure a clear majority. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is facing criticism for its anti-farmer policies. According to our interpretation, these policies are the result of interference from Delhi-based leaders. They are only making strategies according to their own environment and the advice of their loyal supporters. They are unaware of the DNA of Punjab’s farmers. This community is made for battles; they enjoy challenges and face them with boldness.
Policies like land pooling have created a negative image, especially of the former Delhi CM, in the minds of farmers. In the Majha region, people are regaining their attachment to their regional party, the Akali Dal, due to these differences. Secondly, AAP’s working style is not acceptable in Punjab. They have changed portfolios and even excluded some ministers from the cabinet for their bold speeches. At present, they are targeting the SC vote bank and attempting to create ideological differences between the Jatt Sikh vote and the Mazhabi Sikh bhaichara vote. This is clearly visible in social media comment sections run by the IT wing of the ruling party. Such tactics will ultimately act against the government.
People are still with Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann, but due to these unacceptable tactics and the excessive interference of Delhi-based leaders, the situation is worsening for AAP. On the other hand, the Congress party, which is facing comparatively less opposition from the public (as Akali Dal is being opposed on many issues), is experiencing backlash from its own leaders. Everyone is eager to become CM, but no one is interested in working collectively to win the 2027 elections. Big faces are busy defaming each other. Congress leadership is the strongest with respect to experience and wealth. Tarn Taran’s by-election will be a trendsetter in Punjab, so Congress must stop its leaders from making bold statements against one another.
In the public domain, this creates the impression that if they cannot sort out their own issues, how will they be able to raise the issues of Punjab with a strong majority? Secondly, their current president and Leader of Opposition are playing issueless politics. They should take a clear stand on increasing debt, unemployment, and the crisis in agriculture. They too are falling into the same trap of targeting the SC vote bank by appointing a chief minister from that community. In Punjab, such tactics cannot work because, at the ground level, people remain attached to each other, especially in villages.
Akali Dal and BJP are currently at the same level, but the regional party is regaining its image again. Sukhbir Singh Badal is working hard, but he makes decisions too quickly. His short-sightedness overshadows his hard work. The future of Akali Dal depends on the by-election in Tarn Taran. Akali Dal should become more Panthic, and its leaders should remain in proper conduct of Sikhism, especially in the Majha region. They can regain ground as the new Akali Dal is nowhere to be seen. However, Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) can act as their rival for the Panthic vote.
The BJP, on the other hand, can on average gain a maximum of 5,000–6,000 votes in each constituency if they prepare thoroughly. They can be the kingmakers but never the king in Punjab.
At last, with the hope of a better Punjab, I conclude my article by saying: “My dear Punjab, you will win over these issues. We will give you leaders who will work for you, not for themselves.”