(Samajweekly) Now only God can save Punjab. The uproar is solely for the political chair: the 4 pillars have collapsed, and only the patience of the people remains.
* Internal infighting is killing the Congress.
* The Punjabi public does not accept the BJP.
* The Akalis’ connection with the people is broken.
* Every section of society is fed up with the ‘broom’ bearers (AAP).
Punjab’s politics stands at a crossroads today. Look in any direction, and only despair is visible.
1. Internal infighting killed the Congress
The party that ruled for 100 years, today is facing the same fate. One has to stay connected to the grassroots level. It is the party to whom Sidhu Moosewala’s father, Balkaur Singh, shared important matters during a meeting with Bhupesh Baghel: “My son’s cremation took place under the pressure of Raja Warring. There is factionalism in the Congress because of Warring. To save the Congress, Warring should resign.” The fight for truth and justice will continue, but it is a matter of great shame that a father has to speak against his own party just to get justice for his son’s death.
2. Due to internal friction among the Akalis, their connection with the people is broken
After the passing of the elder Badal Sahib, there is neither direction nor a guiding string in the Akali Dal. But the biggest truth that came to light is that those who called themselves Taksali (traditional) Akali leaders enjoyed political power within the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), but those political leaders have now left SAD (B) and formed their own new factions. All of them are extremely desperate to sit on the Chief Minister’s chair. However, this is unacceptable to the intellectuals and the people of Punjab. The upcoming 2027 assembly elections will decide which way the voters of Punjab turn the tide.
3. The Punjabi public does not accept the BJP
The gulf that formed between the BJP and the people of Punjab after the farmers’ protest has deepened even further, and it can never be bridged. Empty slogans do not win you the chair; one has to work at the grassroots level to even hope for it. A little time is left, in which the voters of Punjab will separate the milk from the water (reveal the absolute truth). Wait for 2027.
4. Every class is fed up with the ‘Broom’ bearers
Today, teachers, employees, businessmen, and farmers are completely fed up with the government that came in the name of “change.”
Promises were massive, but work on the ground is zero.
And who is being crushed in the middle?
The common people. Everyone shouts these slogans during elections, and the poor public gets caught in their grindstone.
* Elections arrive bringing false promises, big slogans, and freebie schemes.
* After the votes? Then the same bickering (tu-tu), the same fights, and the same tug-of-war for the chair.
Here is what people say
In the streets, in the villages, and in the cities, there is only one question: Is there any leadership left in Punjab now that can rise above party lines and talk solely about Punjab?
Will we have to wait for another new whirlwind/storm?
The Final Word
Punjab now needs Punjab, not a party.
The day leaders step down from their chairs and sit among the people, Punjab will hold its head high again. Otherwise, the bickering will continue in every street, and the people will keep weeping.
Senior Journalist Jatinder Pal Singh Kaler, Nawanshahr
