Daijiworld Media Network - Punjab
Moga (Punjab), Mar 14: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday called on the people of Punjab to give the Bharatiya Janata Party an opportunity to govern the state, asserting that the party could bring meaningful change.
Addressing a large gathering at the party’s “Badlav Rally” in Killi Chalan village near Moga, Shah appeared wearing a traditional turban and said Punjab had already given several opportunities to other parties.
He said the state had seen governments led by the Indian National Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and Aam Aadmi Party, and urged voters to now give the BJP a chance. According to him, a single opportunity for the BJP would bring significant change in the state.
A party leader accompanying Shah claimed that the BJP secured around 19 per cent of the vote share in the 2024 elections, suggesting growing support for the party and hinting that it could form the next government in Punjab. He also indicated that the BJP is likely to contest the upcoming Assembly elections independently.
Shah criticised the current AAP government, alleging widespread corruption and poor governance. He said people in the state were frustrated and seeking change.
The Home Minister added that the BJP could form the next government in Punjab on the lines of states such as Odisha, Assam, Manipur, Tripura and Uttarakhand.
Taking aim at AAP leaders, Shah accused the party of failing to deliver on its promises, including providing 25 lakh jobs, ensuring a drug-free Punjab and guaranteeing minimum support prices for all crops. He also alleged that the state government had become an “ATM” for AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.
Shah claimed that only the BJP could effectively curb the drug problem in Punjab and bring employment opportunities for the youth.
At the start of his address, he paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, on the occasion of his 350th martyrdom anniversary. Shah said the BJP approaches the people of Punjab as “younger brothers” and seeks their blessings.
He further urged voters, especially women and elders, to strengthen the BJP ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the party could help tackle the drug menace and boost development in the state.
Citing decisions such as the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir and the decline of Naxalism in parts of the country, Shah said Punjab needed a “double-engine government” to accelerate development and address major challenges.