Closed-Door Meeting at Anti-Drug March Ignites Political Speculation in Punjab
A private, closed-door meeting held on the sidelines of an anti-drug awareness march in Ferozepur on Tuesday has sent ripples through Punjab's political landscape. The gathering brought together Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Radha Soami Satsang Beas chief Gurinder Singh Dhillon, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, and acting chief of the Punjab BJP Ashwani Sharma.
Political Lens Overshadows Social Event
Although no official statement was released regarding the deliberations, the convergence of these influential religious and political figures has drawn sharp attention. The meeting is being widely interpreted through a political prism rather than merely as a social engagement. Persistent rumours about a potential SAD-BJP alliance ahead of the crucial 2027 assembly elections have lent significant weight to this interpretation.
This marks the first instance in several years where the top leadership of the Akali Dal and the Punjab BJP have been observed in such close, private coordination, especially alongside a powerful religious head. The presence of Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon is particularly noted, with many viewing him as a potential "bridge" between the two parties. His recent visits to SAD leaders, including Bikram Majithia, and various BJP figures have signalled that the Dera might be actively encouraging a reunion to counter the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Governor's Office Insists on Anti-Drug Agenda
In contrast to the political buzz, the governor's office has maintained that the meeting was strictly focused on seeking advice from religious and political leaders on mobilising the masses against the drug menace, particularly in border districts. Earlier in the day, Governor Kataria led a substantial anti-drug awareness walk in Ferozepur as part of the state's ongoing campaign to eradicate drug abuse.
The walk, organised with the objective of restoring Punjab's vibrant spirit and eliminating drug abuse, commenced from the Saragarhi Gurdwara and concluded at the School of Eminence in Ferozepur city. Prior to the march, the governor paid obeisance at the gurdwara and formally flagged off the anti-drug campaign.
Wide Participation and Strong Messages Against Drugs
The awareness walk witnessed extensive participation from across the state. Addressing the gathering, Governor Kataria called upon all sections of society to unite in the fight against drugs. He emphasised that drug abuse not only destroys individuals but also causes irreparable damage to society, stressing that only collective and sustained efforts could eradicate this social evil from its roots.
At the School of Eminence, the governor underlined the urgent need to make educational institutions drug-free as a top priority. He asserted that the future of Punjab could be secured only when its youth are guided onto the right path. While acknowledging the Punjab government's phase-wise anti-drug campaign, he highlighted that its success hinges on the active participation of educational institutions, religious bodies, social organisations, political parties, panchayats, and the general public.
Addressing Cross-Border Threats
Governor Kataria also referred to cross-border threats emanating from Pakistan, stating that the neighbouring country is attempting to weaken Punjab's youth by supplying drugs through drones. He detailed several stringent measures taken by the government, including the deployment of anti-drone systems, to foil such conspiracies. The governor expressed confidence that, with the collective resolve and cooperation of the people of Punjab, the mission to eliminate drugs would soon succeed. As part of the event, blankets were also distributed among the needy.
Opposition Parties Launch Sharp Criticisms
The meeting has not gone unnoticed by opposition parties. The Punjab Congress, led by its president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, termed the closed-door gathering on the sidelines of the anti-drug march as a "samjhauta express" (a compromise tour). Meanwhile, the ruling AAP accused the governor of "acting as an agent" for the BJP and facilitating a "backdoor entry" for the SAD into an alliance.
AAP MLA from Ferozepur, Ranbir Bhullar, criticised the scene, stating that the sight of the governor sitting privately with a political leader like Sukhbir Badal—whom his party has previously criticised for the "mafia raj" of the past—proves that the march was a stage-managed event designed for political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
This confluence of a high-profile social initiative and covert political discussions has undoubtedly added a new layer of intrigue to Punjab's already dynamic and evolving political narrative, setting the stage for heightened political manoeuvring in the coming years.
