Ludhiana: Local cadres of political parties gear up for statewide election rallies

With the Punjab Assembly elections due in 2027, political activity has started to pick up pace and the local cadres of all the parties are ready to show their strength at statewide rallies.

Key political parties, such as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are leaving no stone unturned to woo the electorate in their bid to form government.

The Congress will organise a state-level rally in Barnala on Saturday, and the local leaders and workers are putting in a lot of effort to ensure its success.

Capt Sandeep Sandhu, a senior Congress leader from Dakha, said around 40,000 people are expected to attend the rally which will be addressed by Rahul Gandhi.

“From Bathinda to Sangrur, Patiala, Nihalsinghwala and Ludhiana Rural, elaborate arrangements have been made to mobilise people in large numbers. All local leaders are likely to attend,” he added.

Though internal differences continue to simmer within the party, leaders across factions are keen to make their presence felt at the rally and meet Rahul Gandhi.

Former Congress minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu said there was visible enthusiasm among workers as well as leaders. “I look forward to meeting Rahul Gandhi,” he said.

Another Congress leader, Pawan Dewan, described the rally as an invitation to every farmer, youth, entrepreneur, woman and patriotic citizen, urging them to join the movement for a stronger and more prosperous Punjab.

A party functionary said more than 200 vehicles are expected to leave for the rally from Ludhiana alone. “You can imagine the level of enthusiasm. This is the first major rally in recent times and holds significance as Rahul Gandhi is visiting,” he said.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders expressed confidence that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s rally in Moga, scheduled for March 14, will lay the groundwork for the party’s prospects in the upcoming elections.

Kamaljeet Soi, spokesperson, BJP’s Punjab unit, said the rally will be more than a political gathering. “It will be a clarion call for transformation, stability, nationalism and development in Punjab,” he said.

Soi added that choosing Moga for the mega rally was symbolic and reflected the party’s focus on strengthening its base in Punjab’s heartland.

Hitting out at the AAP government, he claimed the people were disillusioned with broken promises, deteriorating law and order, rising drug abuse, fiscal mismanagement and political theatrics.

“The rally will present a fresh roadmap backed by a clear vision for the state,” he added.