Chandigarh, Aug 31: The BJP’s in-charge for Punjab, Satish Poonia, on Monday categorically said the party will contest all 117 assembly seats in the state on its own strength, ruling out any alliance for the polls due early next year.
Poonia began his three-day organisational tour on Monday during which he will hold a series of meetings with the state leadership and various organisational teams to review party activities and strengthen the organisational structure.
“I am repeating that thing again. It may seem boring to you, but the BJP will contest elections in 117 seats on its own strength and capability,” he told reporters.
Replying to another question, Poonia said it was a “direct message” from the leadership that “we will contest elections in (all) 117 seats on our own strength.”
When specifically asked if the BJP will not have any alliance for the Punjab assembly elections, Poonia replied, “Yes. The meaning of contesting all 117 seats is this.”
Poonia’s statement came amid speculation about a patch-up between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal ahead of the 2027 Punjab assembly polls, after the latter voiced support for key central bills recently. The two parties parted ways in 2020 over the now-repealed three agri laws. The BJP had been a junior partner in the alliance in Punjab.
Earlier, BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santosh had said that the party will contest all assembly seats in Punjab and form its government in the state.
To a query on former chief minister Amarinder Singh and BJP leader Sunil Jakhar favouring an alliance with the Akali Dal, Poonia said they have expressed their views but it was not the party’s mandate. “The party’s mandate will come from Delhi,” he said.
Asked about SAD (Punar Surjit) president Giani Harpreet Singh’s statement that talks were underway with the BJP for an alliance, Poonia said the individual who made the statement can only explain in detail the context, “why they gave it and what its possibilities are”.
“I was mentally prepared for this question. I have already faced it, and therefore again my answer is the same: we will contest 117 seats,” he said.
Replying to a question, Poonia said Aam Aadmi Party had promised to make Punjab free of drug menace and corruption with good law and order.
“But drugs defamed Punjab in the country and the world. Even today, in the centres being run for de-addiction, nearly 3 lakh young people are registered. That is one figure, while the figure of deaths becomes headlines in the media and social media every day,” he said.
“So our effort is that we will make a dedicated plan with this commitment for awareness, and not only here, the prime minister has also spoken about this in recent days. Even in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ just yesterday, he focused on this. So we are planning that we will run a good campaign against drugs in Punjab,” he said.
“Its full details will come in due time and our discussion on it is ongoing. But the BJP will run a well-organised campaign against drugs in Punjab,” he said.
Asked whether Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Punjab, Poonia said that when a political campaign takes place, it is obvious that prominent people will participate.
On a possible special package for Punjab, Poonia said the state is the BJP’s first priority.
“It is the top priority of the government and of the prime minister as well as of the BJP,” he said.
“I can assure you, and in our manifesto that we will have in the coming time, our effort will also be that we show you a foolproof plan and the commitment of the BJP in it.
“So to stop drugs and narco-terrorism, we are fully committed that you will definitely get a dedicated plan from the party. We will work on it,” he said.
Asked about alleged infighting within the party’s Punjab unit and the “sidelining” of the old guard, he said these are all internal matters.
“As I said at the beginning, suppose someone has to become a district president, and there are 10 contenders for district president, one will become, and the other nine may be angry, dissatisfied or disappointed.
“But I have assured everyone that every worker who deserves it will get some role in the party. They absolutely do not need to worry. I will personally look into such matters,” he said.
“Their experience and energy, this balance remains our own priority. We cannot reject the experience of old people and we cannot deny new energy,” he said.
