BJP holds first independent ‘Kirtan Darbar’ in Punjab, eyes Sikh voter base ahead of 2027 election

In a significant political move ahead of the 2027 Assembly election, BJP on Tuesday stepped into Punjab’s Sikh religious space independently, organising its own ‘Kirtan Darbar’ at Virasat‑e‑Khalsa, Anandpur Sahib, as part of the ongoing commemorations of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

This marks the first time that BJP — traditionally a junior partner in the SAD‑led religious and political landscape — has conducted a standalone Sikh religious programme in the state.

Political observers view the event as a calibrated attempt by the BJP leadership to expand its influence among Sikh voters, a constituency where the party has historically had limited traction. The decision to hold an independent religious event is being seen as a departure from the party’s earlier political identity in Punjab, where it largely relied on its alliance with SAD to connect with Sikh religious institutions.

With the alliance having collapsed and SAD itself losing ground, BJP appears to be crafting a fresh, autonomous outreach strategy aimed at the Sikh masses.

A high‑profile delegation, including Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, state BJP president Sunil Jakhar, working BJP president Ashwani Sharma, former Union minister Parneet Kaur, BJP parliamentary board member Iqbal Singh Lalpura, state vice‑president Subhash Sharma, and former MP Avinash Rai Khanna, visited Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib to pay obeisance before attending the Kirtan Darbar organised at Virasat‑e‑Khalsa.

Addressing the media, Shekhawat said the Modi government was commemorating Guru Tegh Bahadur’s martyrdom at a global level to spread his message of sacrifice and religious freedom. He refrained from commenting on politically sensitive questions such as the release of Bandi Singhs, stating that he did not wish to make political statements on a solemn occasion.

Former Union minister Parneet Kaur, now a BJP member, said the state unit would send a proposal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a special development package for Anandpur Sahib in honour of the 350th martyrdom anniversary.

The religious outreach extends far beyond today’s event. Punjab BJP has announced a series of programmes running until the end of the month, marking a structured, state‑wide attempt to approach Sikh households directly. These include district‑level Kirtan Darbars up to November 30 and recitations of Sri Sukhmani Sahib on November 24 across all 628 BJP mandals in Punjab. Party leaders claim thousands of devotees are expected to participate.

Political analysts say these moves indicate a clear shift in BJP’s Punjab strategy: instead of relying on alliances or restricting itself to urban Hindu pockets, the party is positioning itself as a stakeholder in Sikh religious and cultural issues.

With the AAP government and SAD embroiled in their own internal challenges, BJP appears to have identified a political vacuum. Whether these religious outreach programmes can translate into electoral support remains to be seen, but today’s event marks a decisive ideological and strategic shift for the party in Punjab.