‘No more chhota bhai’: Amit Shah says BJP to fight Punjab 2027 elections alone

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections independently, marking the start of the party’s campaign in the state. Addressing a “Badlaav rally” in Moga, Shah declared that the BJP would no longer play the role of a junior partner and would instead aim to form its own government in Punjab.

Clarifying the party’s position on alliances, Shah said that in the past the BJP had contested elections in Punjab as the “chhota bhai” or junior partner. However, he asserted that the party will now fight the elections on its own in 2027, putting an end to speculation about a possible pre-poll alliance with its former ally Shiromani Akali Dal.

During the rally, Shah made two major promises to the people of Punjab if the BJP comes to power in the state. He said that the first bill introduced by a BJP government would be an anti-conversion law aimed at preventing forced religious conversions. He also pledged that the party would eliminate the drug menace in Punjab within two years of forming the government.

Shah said the BJP government would take strong measures to tackle the drug problem, which has long been a major concern in the state. He assured the crowd that strict action and policy measures would be implemented to curb drug trafficking and restore stability and safety across Punjab.

Launching a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government in the state, Shah targeted Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and criticized the current administration’s handling of governance and law and order. He said Punjab needs a chief minister who governs effectively rather than someone who merely entertains people.

Shah also alleged that the present law and order situation in Punjab raises questions about governance in the state. Addressing supporters at the rally, he said the BJP is seeking a mandate in 2027 to bring political change and implement policies aimed at improving security, administration and development in Punjab.