Breaking: BJP to go solo in Punjab, contest all 117 seats in 2027: Satish Poonia
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 31, 2026: Amid speculation over a possible rapprochement between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, BJP Punjab in-charge and National General Secretary Satish Poonia on Monday categorically said that the party will contest all 117 Assembly seats in the state on its own strength, effectively ruling out an alliance for the upcoming polls.
Poonia made the remarks during his organisational visit to Punjab, where he met senior party leaders and members of the party’s important core committee to discuss the BJP’s political and organisational strategy for the 2027 elections.
“I have come here on the party’s organisational tour and today, in particular, I will meet the senior members of the party’s important core committee. Along with the party organisation, in political and strategic terms, we will have a full discussion today on how we will accomplish Mission 27 in Punjab in the future,” Poonia said.
He reiterated that the BJP would fight the Assembly elections independently across the state.
“I am repeating that thing again. It may seem boring to you, but the BJP will contest elections in all 117 seats on its own strength and capability,” Poonia told reporters.
The statement assumes significance amid speculation about a possible patch-up between the BJP and SAD ahead of the 2027 Punjab polls. The BJP and SAD had been long-standing allies in Punjab before ending their alliance in 2020 over differences surrounding the three farm laws.
Poonia’s remarks indicate that the BJP is currently preparing to enter the 2027 electoral battle independently rather than relying on an alliance with its former partner.
The BJP Punjab in-charge also outlined his organisational programme for the coming days. He said he would be in Jalandhar for two days from Tuesday, where he would hold meetings with party office-bearers, district presidents and other key organisational leaders.
The meetings are part of the BJP’s preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections and its broader organisational expansion in Punjab. Poonia also hit out at the Congress while responding to questions about the Opposition’s criticism of the government.
“The way they behave towards the country and the country’s government, I think the Congress Party’s job is to make accusations. Our job is to move forward in a positive manner,” he said.
The BJP has been stepping up its organisational activities in Punjab as it prepares for the 2027 Assembly elections, with the party seeking to strengthen its presence across the state’s 117 constituencies.