Jaibans Singh
The state of Punjab witnessed by-polls in four Vidhan Sabha seats recently. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded experienced candidates from among its evolving cadre with the intention of winning the seats. Sadly, three of the candidates lost their deposit while accounting for less votes than what was polled by the party from the constituencies in the earlier parliamentary polls. Only one candidate could cross the fifteen thousand mark.
Earlier, for more than two decades, the BJP used to fight elections as a junior partner to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Post its break-up with SAD the party has worked hard to create a Pan-Punjab organisation with its own dedicated cadre. These efforts have borne fruit and the party has a presence in all areas of Punjab.
Despite the enhancement of its cadre the party has been unable to register wins in the elections that have been held post the break-up. This mater is now an active discussion point within BJP circles and also in the media and public domain.
Kanwar Sandhu, a well know journalist has, in his YouTube channel, uploaded a video “Hello Punjab: Punjab Diya Chona Cha Bhajpa Nu Ku yon Nahin Mil Rahi Kaamyabi.” The link of the video is given below for reference.
https://www.youtube.com/live/W3FIWrDaAuI?si=dNBRTwObchmqsuyq
Sandhu has followed a method of posting the question on his Facebook account and then reading out the comments that have been received as a reaction. He has also received calls from a number of people and taken their views. In the end he has given his point of view.
Sandhu has also incorporated in his video, a clip posted by BJP leader Manpreet Badal post his defeat from the Gidderbaha Vidhan Sabha constituency. From the video he has surmised that Manpreet Badal is happier about the defeat of the Congress candidate rather than being sad about his own defeat. He has also stated that the confidence that Manpreet Badal has exhibited about a BJP win in the 2027 Vidhan Sabha elections seems to be a pipedream at this point in time, in consideration of the consistently poor electoral performance of the party in Punjab.
The views in the video are too limited in number to be looked upon as a survey, they are predominantly negative in nature in view of the one sided framing of the question. However, they do give an idea of how the people look upon the BJP in Punjab.
For ease of understanding, I have listed out the prominent views.
Views on Facebook
- BJP is essentially a Hindu centric party because of which the vote does not spread out enough to give a winning edge. Despite all efforts, only the minority communities of Punjab vote for the BJP and that to not in totality.
- The central leadership of BJP is not making an effort to understand Punjab as is obvious by the recent imbroglio regarding allotment of land in Chandigarh for the Vidhan Sabha building for Haryana. The BJP President Sunil Jakhar was compelled to go to media and give a message that Punjab’s heart beats from Chandigarh. Such issues erupt from time to time and create an environment of distrust.
- With respect to the joining of senior leaders from other parties into the BJP and then fighting elections under the banner of the party, the sentiment expressed is that those who switch parties face such consequences.
- The agitation by farmers that is continuing in one form or the other is considered to be a big factor for the disenchantment of the people with the BJP. The view is that if the farmer issues are resolved the people might gravitate towards the BJP.
- The people of Punjab have become distrustful of the leadership of the state. Till responsible leaders do not come up the people will keep teaching politicians a lesson.
Views of the Callers
- BJP does not have a concrete policy and ideology which is in tune with the aspirations of the people. The farmers continue to remain dissatisfied. No specific policies have been formulated by the center that would benefit the poor of Punjab.
- Punjab needs respite for the poor and the marginalized (farmers) while the BJP is looked upon as a party that benefits corporates. The various welfare schemes are being derailed by the opposition politicians and the bureaucracy.
- BJP is taking in a lot of leaders but is failing in telling the people clearly what it would do should it come to power. The leaders are talking in cross purpose to each other which is leaving thee people confused and dissatisfied.
- In the past, the BJP has never worked on a plan of its course of action in case it was to fight alone in Punjab. It has limited Sikh leaders of its own and they too are not being brought to the limelight.
- The leaders from outside inducted to bolster that party are those who have already been rejected by the people. They cannot produce results.
- A journalist caller said that in Punjab the BJP is moving too slow (like a Tortoise) when it should be in a pro-active mode. The impression is that the leadership of the party is not understanding Punjab, in fact, it does not wish to understand Punjab. If BJP wishes to rule it must learn and respect the culture, traditions and society of the age old region. There is a need to articulate a clear-cut vision.
- BJP has the potential of bringing about major changes in agriculture, it should do so in Punjab. A big plan for cotton cultivation in Malwa should be introduced by the BJP.
Positive Points by Callers
Some callers also made positive observation in favour of BJP
- BJP had limited presence in Haryana and Himachal, if it could gain power there, it can do so in Punjab too if the right approach is followed.
- By-polls are not a correct measurement of the strength of any political party in opposition.
- BJP must change strategy to win hearts of people in Punjab. The love that it feels for the people should be shown.
Points by the Host
Kanwar Sandhu summarized the discussion with the following points:-
- BJP needs to introspect, carry out wide ranging discussions, understand Punjab and change strategy accordingly.
- The votes increased in urban areas and remained in urban areas, a wider vote base needs to be created.
- Effort is needed to heal the relationship with farmers. Heed needs to be paid to the observations of the SC appointed Justice Nawab Singh Committee that has recommended, among other things, legal guarantee for MSP and a policy for loan waiver.
- There is a need to listen to the BJP leadership of Punjab and give them requisite autonomy
Conclusion
The sample of comments by the various participants of the discussion may be small but it does reflect a predominant sentiment presently prevalent in Punjab. The the comments made by the host Kanwar Sandhu reflect the ground reality, some additional inputs that can be derived are as follows:-
- The need in Punjab today is for a leadership that is honest, visionary, committed and capable of winning the trust of the people. It should be acceptable within the party and among the people too. Any party that can come up with such a leadership will rule Punjab. BJP must put in place such a balanced and responsible leadership.
- The leaders from other parties who have joined the BJP came without a cadre. Alongside, the indigenous cadre started feeling left-out and became disillusioned. This has caused a serious divide. The party needs larger strength and new faces, however, the integration process should be streamlined.
- The policy for Punjab cannot be made on the template of other BJP ruled states. It needs to be formulated keeping in mind the aspirations and sentiments of the people and should relate with their traditions, culture and economy.
- The formulated policy needs to be disseminated to the people through a clear, concise and credible information structure.
- All efforts need to be directed towards reaching out to the people at all levels.
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