Punjab, one of India’s most historically and politically significant states, has long grappled with a range of complex and unresolved issues. From the agrarian crisis to drug addiction, from regional autonomy concerns to economic stagnation, Punjab’s trajectory has been deeply affected by the policies and politics of successive governments. While no single party can be blamed entirely, certain political entities and leaders have played crucial roles in perpetuating or failing to address the state’s core problems. This article explores the political backdrop and identifies key parties and leaders who have contributed to Punjab’s persistent issues.
Punjab’s post-independence history has been shaped by significant upheavals. The partition of 1947 led to widespread displacement and communal violence. The subsequent demand for Punjabi Suba and the reorganization of the state in 1966 created an atmosphere of linguistic and religious assertiveness. These developments laid the groundwork for both identity politics and regional grievances. The 1980s saw the rise of the Khalistan movement, which was brutally countered by the Indian state, culminating in Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. These traumatic events continue to influence the political psyche of Punjab, fueling distrust toward national parties and strengthening regional sentiments.
The Congress party, which ruled Punjab and the Centre for many decades post-independence, has had a profound influence on the state’s trajectory. In the 1980s, under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, the Congress played a controversial role in exacerbating tensions by propping up fringe Sikh leaders to counter the Akali Dal, including figures like Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. This strategy backfired, plunging Punjab into militancy.
Moreover, the Congress-led central government’s delay in addressing the Anandpur Sahib Resolution, which demanded greater autonomy for Punjab, created a perception of systematic suppression of Punjabi aspirations. During Captain Amarinder Singh’s tenure as Chief Minister (2002–2007 and 2017–2021), the Congress failed to deliver substantial progress on key issues such as agrarian reform, drug eradication, and industrial development. His perceived proximity to central interests and inability to challenge entrenched bureaucratic and business networks contributed to public disillusionment.
As the principal regional party, the Shiromani Akali Dal has long claimed to represent Sikh and Punjabi interests. However, during its coalition rule with the BJP, particularly under Prakash Singh Badal (1997–2002, 2007–2017), SAD presided over a period marked by alleged cronyism, economic stagnation, and the spread of drug addiction.
Accusations of monopolistic control over sand mining, transport, and cable TV networks have dogged the Badal family and their allies. Critics argue that instead of empowering farmers and youth, the SAD leadership focused on consolidating wealth and influence through patronage networks. Despite having the mandate to push for state autonomy, SAD largely compromised on key federal issues during its alliance with the BJP, which further alienated sections of the Punjabi electorate, especially on matters like river water disputes and the status of Chandigarh.
The BJP, while never a dominant force in Punjab politics, has still influenced state affairs through its alliances and central policies. During its coalition with SAD, the BJP focused on its core Hindu voter base and urban centers, often failing to address rural and agrarian concerns. Moreover, the party’s nationalistic and centralizing ideology clashed with Punjab’s regional and federal aspirations.
The BJP-led central government’s decision to pass the now-repealed three farm laws without prior consultation with Punjab stakeholders sparked one of the largest farmers’ protests in Indian history. The year-long agitation (2020–2021) significantly damaged BJP’s image in Punjab, reinforcing the view that the party prioritizes corporate interests over farmer welfare.
The rise of AAP in Punjab, culminating in their landslide victory in 2022 under Bhagwant Mann, was seen as a public rejection of the traditional parties. AAP promised a new era of governance, vowing to tackle corruption, drugs, and unemployment. However, since taking power, the party has faced criticism for focusing more on optics than structural reforms.
The centralization of decision-making in Delhi — with key announcements often made by Arvind Kejriwal instead of the Chief Minister — has led to concerns about Punjab being treated as a satellite state. While AAP claims to be working toward cleaning up governance, progress on dismantling entrenched power structures and tackling the drug trade has been slow and inconsistent. Moreover, the lack of a strong, experienced administrative team has hindered policy implementation.
Several of Punjab’s problems remain unresolved because of systemic neglect and politicization:
Agrarian Crisis: Despite being the breadbasket of India, Punjab’s farmers are caught in a cycle of debt, monoculture, and declining returns. Successive governments have failed to diversify crops or provide alternative income streams.
Drug Addiction: Though each party has promised to eliminate drugs, none has been able to dismantle the networks involving politicians, police, and smugglers. The youth continue to suffer, and rehabilitation infrastructure remains weak.
Federal Rights and Water Disputes: The unresolved Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue and the demand for greater fiscal autonomy remain political footballs, with little concrete progress.
Brain Drain and Unemployment: Punjab’s brightest continue to migrate abroad, driven by lack of opportunities. Skill development schemes are poorly implemented, and industrial growth is sluggish.
Punjab’s unresolved issues are not the result of one party’s failure but a cumulative consequence of political opportunism, short-term populism, and a lack of visionary leadership. While Congress and SAD bear the historical burden of Misgovernance, BJP’s insensitivity to Punjab’s federal concerns and AAP’s administrative inexperience have further compounded the crisis. For Punjab to emerge from this morass, it needs political leaders who prioritize long-term structural change over vote-bank politics. Until then, the state will remain caught in a cycle of unfulfilled promises and deepening discontent.