What is BJP's game plan for Lok Sabha elections in Punjab?

As the Lok Sabha elections are approaching (Loksabha Elections 2024), BJP is eyeing to win as many seats as possible. If we talk about Punjab, the contest here has become multi-cornered. Parties like Akali Dal, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party are already present here, but still everyone's special eyes are on BJP (BJP's Game Plan For Punjab). It is important to know why BJP decided to contest elections alone in Punjab and what is its gameplan in the border state? It is also important to note that many party changes will be seen in the coming days.

What is BJP's game plan in Punjab?

Punjab has a large population of 38.5 percent and BJP would like to see if it can strengthen that vote bank.

In the 2017 assembly elections, BJP's voteshare was 5.4 percent, at that time it had contested the elections in alliance with Akali Dal. In the 2022 assembly elections, when BJP contested alone on 73 seats, the vote share was 6.6%. But in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, when BJP contested in alliance with Akali Dal, the vote share was 9.63 percent.

BJP hopes that it will once again try to capitalize on the Ram Temple issue to consolidate the Hindu vote, in fact in Punjab this Hindu vote has traditionally gone to the Congress.

Profit from chaos: The Akali Dal is trying to make a comeback in rural areas, the Congress is struggling with infighting and the AAP has certainly lost the public support it enjoyed two years ago in Punjab. In such a situation, everyone's eyes are on BJP.

In Punjab, BJP has included Jat Sikh leaders in the party, some of whom are quite influential. Former ambassador Taranjit Sandhu whose grandfather was among the founders of SGPC (Sikh Management Body). BJP is also trying to make inroads in the Sikh community through other leaders like Manpreet Badal, Amarinder, Ravneet Singh Bittu.

Farmers' protest and anti-Sikh image: Farmers' protest, allegations of involvement in the murder of Nijjar in Canada reveal the anti-Sikh image of BJP. Improving this image will be the biggest challenge before BJP. Prime Minister Modi's regular visits to Gurudwaras and his meetings with Sikh community leaders can help in improving the image of BJP in Punjab. Actually, people of Punjab are always looking for new options.

BJP's performance in the Lok Sabha elections will also decide whether the party has the ability to increase its support base in Punjab or not.