Amit Shah Sounds Bugle for 2027 Punjab Polls with 'Badlav Rally' in Moga
Union Home Minister Amit Shah officially launched the Bharatiya Janata Party's campaign for the 2027 Punjab assembly elections with a spirited 'Badlav rally' in Moga. Addressing a large gathering in Killi Chahal village near Moga on Saturday, Shah urged the people of Punjab to grant the BJP "ik mauka" (one chance), pledging that the party's first legislative action upon forming government would be to enact a ban on religious conversions in the state.
BJP to Contest Alone, Targets AAP and Congress
Shah made it clear that the BJP intends to go it alone in the 2027 elections, expressing confidence in the party's ability to form the next government in Punjab. "It is the beginning of BJP's campaign. Whenever we came to Punjab, we came as the younger brother, but today I say, BJP is fighting the 2027 election to make its own government," he declared.
He launched a scathing attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the opposition Congress, accusing both of pushing Punjab into a quagmire of debt, drugs, and corruption. "Under AAP govt, religious conversions have reached alarming levels. A BJP govt in Punjab will bring its first bill to ban religious conversions," Shah asserted, highlighting this as a key poll promise.
Promises of Development and Unity
The Home Minister outlined a vision for a drug-free and development-oriented Punjab, vowing that the BJP would eradicate drugs within two years of assuming power. He emphasized the importance of Sikh-Hindu unity for the state's progress, criticizing past Congress actions like sending tanks to the Akal Takht.
Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for initiatives such as opening the Kartarpur Corridor, which allows devotees to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. "Had Congress truly respected the Gurus, Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur would not have been in Pakistan. Modi govt opened Kartarpur Corridor, enabling devotees to visit the shrine," he said.
Track Record and Electoral Confidence
Citing the BJP's electoral history, Shah noted that the party secured 19% of the vote in Punjab during the 2024 elections. "Our track record is that wherever we get these many votes, we formed government," he said, pointing to examples like Odisha, Assam, Manipur, Tripura, and Uttarakhand. "Now it is Punjab's turn," he added confidently.
He also highlighted the BJP's achievements at the national level, such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir and efforts to combat Naxalism. "If you want eradication of drugs from Punjab and stop conversions, corruption, gangsterism, and if unemployment is to be ended, then only BJP's double-engine government can deliver," Shah proclaimed.
Focus on Sikh Heritage and Community Issues
In a bid to connect with the Sikh community, Shah began his speech with 'Jo Bole So Nihal' and acknowledged the start of the new year according to the Nanakshahi calendar. He paid respects to Sikh Gurus, Maharishi Valmiki, Guru Ravidas, Baba Jiwan Singh, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Shah underscored the Modi government's actions in addressing historical grievances, including registering 350 cases against perpetrators of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and providing compensation to victim families. He also mentioned the Citizenship Amendment Act, which granted citizenship to Sikhs from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and efforts to repatriate sacred copies of the Guru Granth Sahib to India.
Criticism of AAP Governance
Shah lambasted the AAP government in Punjab for what he described as a failure to deliver on promises. He questioned the administration's achievements regarding job creation, drug eradication, healthcare, pensions, and mining revenue. "This govt represents breaking of promises. This is a corrupt govt, neck-deep in corruption," he charged, accusing the Chief Minister of being reduced to a mere "pilot" for Delhi-based leaders.
He also raised concerns about law and order, citing recent murders of sarpanches and reports indicating that 45% of India's heroin business is concentrated in Punjab. "How can AAP govt do any good for Punjab? It only became an ATM for Kejriwal. They are damaging the honour of Punjab," Shah asserted.
Support for Farmers and Economic Policies
Addressing agricultural issues, Shah accused AAP, Congress, and Rahul Gandhi of misleading farmers on trade deals like the India-US agreement. He defended the Modi government's record on Minimum Support Price, highlighting increased procurement and timely payments to farmers in Punjab.
"Modi govt has made the biggest buying at MSP from farmers of Punjab, and money reaches bank accounts of farmers in just two days," he said, contrasting this with the UPA era. He also noted the expansion of the agriculture budget and initiatives like the Kisan Samman Nidhi, which provides financial support to millions of farmers nationwide.
In conclusion, Shah appealed to the electorate, saying, "You gave opportunities to Congress, Akalis and AAP in the past. Now give an opportunity to BJP. We shall bring about a change in Punjab." This rally marks a significant step in the BJP's strategy to expand its footprint in Punjab ahead of the 2027 polls.
