The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the parent organization of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), convened a comprehensive strategy meeting on Tuesday to discuss the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections. The eight-hour session, held in Chandigarh, was led by Arun Kumar, RSS joint general secretary, and BJP general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh. Sangh leaders expressed optimism about making electoral inroads in Punjab, drawing parallels with recent successes in Haryana and West Bengal.
Key Participants and Agenda
The meeting saw the participation of top Sangh functionaries and presidents of RSS frontal organizations in Punjab, along with BJP leaders. The agenda included a detailed assessment of the ground situation and the formulation of strategies to expand the party's base. A decision was made to form dedicated groups for outreach to various segments, including farmers, women, youth, deras (religious sects), Scheduled Castes, OBCs, and other dominant communities in the state.
Top Poll Issues Identified
Religious conversions, law and order, drug abuse, economic challenges, and cross-border terror threats were identified as key issues for the elections. The RSS also directed Punjab cadres to evaluate the impact of the Akal Takht's order declaring Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of the Aam Aadmi Party as anti-Guru.
BJP Representation
The BJP was represented by Punjab unit president Kewal Dhillon, working president Ashwani Sharma, former state unit chief Sunil Jakhar, former Punjab finance minister Manpreet Badal, Punjab BJP women's wing president Jai Inder Kaur, former state minister Manoranjan Kalia, former MP Avinash Rai Khanna, and senior leader Shwait Malik. BJP general secretary Tarun Chugh and Punjab BJP co-in-charge Narinder Raina also attended. From the RSS, BJP Punjab organisational secretary Manthri Srinivasulu and senior Sangh functionary Saudan Singh participated.
Electoral Performance and Goals
Sources revealed that discussions centered on the BJP's current electoral standing in Punjab, where it secured 19% of the vote share in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Participants agreed that outreach across all segments is crucial for growth. The BJP aims to expand its base beyond the 19% votes it garnered in the Lok Sabha polls. References were made to the party's improved performance, from 9.63% in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and 6.6% in the 2022 state polls to 18.56% in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
RSS's Optimism and Collective Efforts
RSS leaders highlighted that the Sangh Parivar (including RSS, BJP, and sister organizations) had previously achieved electoral breakthroughs in challenging states like Haryana and West Bengal. They expressed hope for a similar outcome in Punjab, emphasizing the need for collective efforts and unity among all Sangh affiliates.
Sister Organizations Present
RSS sister organizations that attended the meeting included Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, ABVP, Sewa Bharti, Vidya Bharti, and Rashtriya Sikh Sangat.
BJP Leaders Advocate Alliance with SAD
During the meeting, a section of BJP leaders advocated for a pre-poll alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). However, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed the party to prepare to contest all 117 seats in the state independently.
