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Punjab Politics: Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in five states, including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, in 2027. After Uttar Pradesh, the Punjab elections are considered crucial. While the issue of religion is the most heated issue in Uttar Pradesh, the election issue in Punjab isn’t about religion, but rather its history. Punjab is currently grappling with separatism, drug abuse, crime, and social conflict. Punjab has a reputation for a political and cultural system that has openly rebelled against oppression and injustice. Consequently, Punjab’s leaders are currently highlighting three names who had a significant impact on Punjab in their respective times: the Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, and separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale  . But the question is: why are these three names being highlighted instead of any concrete, credible promises or intentions regarding the Punjab elections? Why are they being used in Punjab’s political and social ideology despite their absence?

Punjab politics is divided into three different ideologies.

When the Aam Aadmi Party formed the government in Punjab in 2022, there was hope that Punjab would have strong leadership. However, the appointment of Bhagwant Mann as Chief Minister was highly controversial. His image was that of a weak and inexperienced leader. Perhaps the public also disliked this decision. Speculation began to arise that Punjab may no longer have a truly strong leadership. Amid rising drug addiction, increasing separatism, declining investment, and declining crop yields, Punjab’s politics has fragmented into three distinct ideologies: those who worship Maharaja Ranjit Singh, those who worship Shaheed Bhagat Singh, and those who worship the separatist leader Bhindranwale. These are three names whose leadership has transformed the entire political landscape of Punjab through their leadership.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh laid the foundation of the Sikh Empire

Maharaja Ranjit Singh single-handedly established the Sikh Empire. He laid the foundation of the Sikh Empire in 1801 and ruled for approximately 38 years, during which time he built the strongest Khalsa Army. His visionary thinking meant that he spared no effort in training his army in foreign arts. His war prowess was such that the British were unable to enter Punjab during his lifetime. He forced the Afghans to retreat. While invoking Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s name to enhance Punjab’s prestige is fine, using him for political agendas only indicates that Punjab today lacks the leadership that can strengthen it geographically. Similarly, Punjab’s bravery is often cited as an example.

Khalistani movement

But while Punjab produced youth like Bhagat Singh, today its youth are trapped in the web of crime and drug abuse. So, what should be the basis for mobilizing them? A section of people who call themselves revolutionaries and talk about separating Punjab from India worship Bhindranwale. However, if you look at it yourself, Bhindranwale never spoke of dividing Punjab. Nevertheless, he wanted a Punjab free from all religions, including Hinduism, where only Sikhs existed. An attempt is being made to isolate a section of the society in the name of the Khalistani movement. However, due to the government’s strictness, no one is coming forward openly. Consequently, their leadership is like a sandcastle, swept away by a wave. The lack of a strong leadership figure in Punjab is why politics is being conducted in the name of three deceased individuals. The biggest question, then, is whether politics in the name of these individuals will be able to reassure the public. Will the situation in Punjab ever become so strong again that elections can be fought on the ground level with real issues instead of any big name?