NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Punjab on July 17 comes at a politically significant moment. With the Assembly elections approaching, the BJP is making a determined effort to deepen its outreach to the Sikh community and establish itself as a serious political force in a state where it has historically remained on the margins. The visit is unlikely to be confined to inaugurations or development projects. It is part of a broader political strategy aimed at helping the BJP finally make a meaningful breakthrough in Punjab.
Ever since the BJP parted ways with its long-time ally, the Shiromani Akali Dal, following the farm laws agitation, the party has been attempting to build an independent political identity in Punjab. Unlike the past, when it largely relied on urban Hindu voters while the Akali Dal mobilised Sikh support, the BJP is now directly reaching out to Sikh voters, religious institutions and the Punjabi diaspora.
Prime Minister Modi has personally led much of this outreach. Over the past few years, his government has repeatedly highlighted initiatives aimed at the Sikh community.
These include the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, the nationwide celebration of Guru Nanak Dev’s 550th Prakash Purab, the observance of Veer Bal Diwas, efforts to preserve Sikh heritage, facilitating the return of Sri Guru Granth Sahib saroops from Afghanistan, easing visa restrictions on many Sikhs abroad and engaging more actively with the global Sikh diaspora.
