BJP Makes Political Debut at Maghi Mela with Haryana Model Pitch for Punjab
The Bharatiya Janata Party organized its inaugural political conference at the Maghi mela in Muktsar on Wednesday. This strategic move comes ahead of the crucial 2027 assembly elections in Punjab.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed the gathering, delivering his speech primarily in Punjabi with occasional Hindi phrases. He projected the BJP-led Haryana governance model as a potential roadmap for Punjab's development and revival.
Emphasizing Historical and Cultural Bonds
Saini sought to establish an emotional connection with the audience by highlighting the deep historical, cultural and familial ties between Haryana and Punjab. "Punjab is not just our neighboring state," Saini declared. "It shares a blood relationship with Haryana. Haryana loves Punjab and wants to see it flourish."
This marked Saini's second visit to Punjab within just four days. Earlier on Sunday, he had attended religious programs and addressed a rally at Samrala in Ludhiana district. That event supported the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission–Gramin initiative.
Referencing Punjab's Flood Crisis
The Haryana Chief Minister referenced the 2025 floods that severely affected Punjab. He recalled how he had appealed to Haryana residents to assist their "vadda bhara" or elder brother during that difficult period.
"People from every district in Haryana generously contributed," Saini stated. "Many even personally reached out to help affected communities in Punjab villages."
In a pointed political remark, Saini noted that while Punjab battled devastating floods, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was hospitalized. "Chhote bhara nu vadde bhara di bhot chinta hai," he said, meaning "the younger brother is deeply concerned about the elder brother."
Promoting the Double-Engine Model
Saini asserted that the "double-engine" BJP model that delivered results in Haryana could achieve similar success in Punjab if the party comes to power in 2027. He presented Haryana's welfare and agriculture policies as superior alternatives.
The Haryana Chief Minister claimed his government provides Minimum Support Price on 24 different crops. He contrasted this with what he termed the Punjab government's failure to deliver on its MSP promises.
Saini highlighted several Haryana initiatives:
- Highest sugarcane prices in the region
- Effective implementation of Ayushman Bharat alongside the state-led Chirayu Yojana
- Compensation of approximately ₹15,000 crore to farmers under PM Fasal Bima Yojana over eleven years
"Ask Punjab's Chief Minister why he is not allowing Punjab farmers to benefit from the Fasal Bima Yojana," Saini challenged.
Additional Schemes and Allegations
The Haryana leader cited numerous other welfare schemes including:
- Lado Lakshmi Yojana
- Land allotment programs for the urban poor
- Grants for kuccha house improvements
Saini alleged that the Punjab government opposed the VB-G-RAM-G initiative due to corruption concerns. He claimed over fifty percent of panchayats under MGNREGA faced corruption issues.
Political Support and Regional Dynamics
Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu shared the stage with Saini. He remarked that while Haryana residents might notice Saini's frequent Punjab visits, they understand Punjab "needs healing."
"Haryana is our younger brother," Bittu explained. "Younger brothers never get upset with their elder brothers."
Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur introduced the term "K-company" during his address. He suggested Punjab needs liberation from this entity alongside crime and drug problems.
BJP Punjab president Sunil Jakhar clarified that Thakur's reference pointed toward AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal. This clarification drew appreciative applause from the audience.
Addressing Caste and Political Controversies
Jakhar strongly condemned recent statements by Congress State In-charge Bhupesh Baghel. Media reports indicated Baghel termed the appointment of Charanjit Singh Channi as Chief Minister in 2021 a "mistake."
"If Congress considers appointing a person from the Scheduled Caste community as Chief Minister a mistake," Jakhar asserted, "then BJP strongly opposes this view."
He emphasized that Punjab does not accept divisions based on religion or caste. Jakhar recalled previous Congress statements about Punjab not having a Hindu Chief Minister.
"These statements reflect the Congress party's communal mindset," Jakhar concluded.
Bittu noted that the presence of leaders from Haryana and Himachal Pradesh reflected the spirit of "Sanjha Punjab" or undivided Punjab. However, Jakhar maintained that Punjab remains the "big brother" among these states.
The Maghi mela conference, held on the occasion of Maghi while paying homage to the Forty Liberated Ones, represents a significant political development. It signals the BJP's intensified focus on Punjab as the 2027 elections approach.
