BJP sounds 2027 poll bugle at Baba Bakala, seeks mandate to build ‘Drug-Free and Developed Punjab’; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Baba Bakala Sahib (Punjab), August 28, 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday made a strong political push in Punjab by setting up its own separate stage for the first time at the annual Rakhri Punia fair in Baba Bakala Sahib, using the gathering to project itself as an alternative to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Addressing the gathering, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called upon the people of Punjab to give the BJP an opportunity to build a drug-free, secure and developed state, while launching attacks on the AAP government over drugs, law and order and women's safety.
Chouhan began his address by paying tribute to the teachings and sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, saying the ninth Sikh Guru's message represented equality, brotherhood and respect for all.
Calling the gathering more than a political rally, Chouhan said the BJP was taking a resolve from the sacred land of Baba Bakala Sahib to work towards building a Punjab that is both developed and secure.
BJP Targets AAP Over Drugs, Law and Order
Taking aim at the Bhagwant Mann-led government, Chouhan questioned the safety of women in Punjab on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
He alleged that incidents of chain and earring snatching were increasing in the state, creating a sense of insecurity among women.
The Union Minister also attacked the state government over the drug menace, alleging that Punjab's youth were being pushed into addiction and that the administration had failed to dismantle drug-trafficking networks.
He appealed to voters to give the BJP an opportunity to make Punjab drug-free, safe and prosperous.
Chouhan Assures Farmers Amid US Trade Concerns
With farmers being a major political constituency in Punjab, Chouhan devoted a significant part of his address to agricultural issues.
Referring to concerns surrounding India-US trade negotiations, he assured farmers that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government would not compromise their interests in international trade agreements.
He specifically referred to farmers producing pulses, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy products, saying the Centre was taking steps to protect their produce and strengthen their market access.
“Farmers have absolutely no reason to worry. The Central Government will always stand with them,” Chouhan said.
Congress Also Comes Under Fire
Chouhan also criticised the Congress, alleging that the party was preoccupied with internal factionalism and infighting and was consequently unable to emerge as a strong opposition in Punjab.
The BJP's decision to establish a separate political platform at Baba Bakala Sahib is being seen as a significant move in its Punjab strategy ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
The party, which has traditionally had a stronger presence in urban areas, is increasingly seeking to expand its political footprint in rural Punjab and at major religious and public gatherings.
The challenge for the BJP, however, will be to convert the political visibility generated by such gatherings into sustained grassroots support and, ultimately, Assembly seats in the 2027 elections.