Punjab polls 2022: Alliance must for Punjab's stability, says BJP

New Delhi, January 24

The BJP will contest 65 seats, Capt Amarinder Singh-led Punjab Lok Congress 37 and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa-led Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt) 15 seats in the Punjab Assembly elections, BJP president JP Nadda said here today.

Announcing the seat-sharing formula for the NDA alliance, Nadda, however, said there could be minor readjustments. “This is the broad figure that I am giving,” he added. Flanked by allies Amarinder Singh and Dhindsa at the BJP headquarters, he said the forthcoming elections were not only for “satta parivartan” (change in regime), but also to ensure safety and stability in the border state.

Referring to the 600-km border India shares with Pakistan and its relationship with the neighbour, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, “If Punjab remains safe, the country remains safe.”

“For the sake of stability and security of the country, the alliance is important,” BJP leaders said, building the case around the need for a “stable and safe government” in Punjab given its close proximity to Pakistan and issues like terrorism, drugs and arms smuggling.

Nadda said, “Punjab needs special attention. It needs a double-engine government and a better coordination between the Centre and the state.” Hailing the state as a “leader”, especially in defence and food security of the country, he highlighted steps taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrating his “love” for Punjab.

“The NDA government will bring stability and security in Punjab. The state is in massive debt and needs special attention. Our aim is to bring it back on track,” the Bharatiya Janata Party president said, promising “zero tolerance” towards terrorism and activities like drugs and arms smuggling. Amarinder Singh and Dhindsa said Punjab would need fresh investment for progress, which could happen only under the National Democratic Alliance regime.