By Amrit Pal Sidhu Babushahi Network
Bathinda, September 4:
Former Punjab Finance Minister and newly appointed BJP National Vice-President Manpreet Singh Badal today attended his first major political gathering in Bathinda after assuming his new national-level responsibility, signalling renewed political activity in the city.
The gathering was organised by his close associate Mohan Lal Jhumba to celebrate Badal’s appointment as BJP National Vice-President. Jhumba is a former president of the Bathinda District Congress Committee and has also served as Chairman of the Bathinda Market Committee. He is currently politically associated with Manpreet Singh Badal.
Against this backdrop, the gathering was more than a felicitation function, with his supporters and several senior BJP leaders coming together in a show of political strength and giving rise to fresh speculation about the emerging political equations in Bathinda.
Several senior BJP leaders associated with Bathinda attended the event, including former Senior Deputy Mayor Tarsem Goyal, former Improvement Trust Chairman Ashok Bharti, former Chairman Mohan Lal Garg, Ashutosh Kumar and other leaders. A large number of party workers and supporters were also present.
“Increase Friends, Reduce Enemies”: Manpreet Badal’s New Political Message (Dost Vadhao, Dushman Ghatao) Becomes New Mantra
Addressing the gathering, Manpreet Singh Badal praised the policies of the BJP and stressed the need for restraint, political maturity and a broader approach in public life. In what emerged as one of the key messages of his speech, Badal said: “Increase your friends and reduce your enemies.” (Dost Vadhao, Dushman Ghatao)
The statement became a major talking point at the gathering. Political observers are viewing the message in the context of Badal’s possible future political strategy, particularly his emphasis on maintaining dialogue and relationships across political lines.
His message appeared to suggest that differences in political ideology are inevitable, but the doors for political dialogue and relationships should remain open.
Should Manpreet Badal Play a More Active Role in National Politics?
Another significant aspect of the gathering emerged when three senior party leaders, during their welcome addresses, indirectly suggested that Manpreet Singh Badal should take on a more active role in national politics in keeping with his new position.
The suggestion added an interesting political dimension to the event. However, Badal’s response was itself seen as carrying a significant political message. During his address, he said: “Let me serve by staying here.” Mainu Ethay Hee Rehan Deo”
His statement generated considerable discussion among those present. Political observers interpreted it in different ways whether Badal’s immediate priority is to further strengthen his political base in Bathinda and Punjab, or whether the remark simply reflected his desire to remain connected with the political ground where he has maintained his base.
Fresh Signs of a New Political Chemistry in Bathinda
Friday’s gathering assumes significance as it has sparked fresh discussion over Manpreet Badal’s political role and influence in Bathinda following his elevation to a key national position in the BJP. On the one hand, senior party leaders appeared keen to see him play a larger role at the national level. On the other, Badal’s statement that he wanted to “serve by staying here” suggested that Punjab and particularly Bathinda continues to hold an important place in his political priorities.
Thus, while the function organised by Mohan Lal Jhumba was ostensibly held to celebrate Manpreet Singh Badal’s appointment as BJP National Vice-President, the gathering has also raised several questions about the direction of politics in Bathinda in the days ahead.
The large turnout, presence of senior BJP leaders and Badal’s political messaging have together added a new dimension to the political discourse in the region.