Shiromani Akali Dal(SAD) Supremo Parkash Singh Badal has been leading the SAD-BJP allied government in the state of Punjab for past one decade and now its seems his rule is coming to an end. As Punjab is on the verge to dump the alliance and giving an opportunity to some other party to come into the power in a state, which has a politically important history. But what does the Punjab Victory Means to the Political Parties here?
Punjab has always been an important part of Indian politics and various revolutions that changed the political scenario of India, started from Punjab. Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced the dates for the elections and Punjab will go to the polls on February 4th (Saturday). And with this announcement, the Code of conduct has been implemented in the five states including Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand. The results will come out on March 11.
Do Badals have any chance in Punjab in 2017?
Looking at the current scenario, it could be said that only a miracle can save the sinking boat of Badals in upcoming elections in February and that is why it becomes pretty much important that whom would the Punjabi’s vote to the power? Congress or Aam Aadmi Party? But this doesn’t bother much to the Akalis as it is looking like they already have accepted a defeat and are waiting for any miracle to save them.
What Punjab victory means to the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party?
A victory in Punjab is basically a fight for the origin to the Congress and the AAP. With Congress’ victory, Rahul Gandhi will come to limelight, who choose Captain Amarinder Singh to lead from the front and given him an open hand. Also, this is also the last time, Amarinder Singh is contesting the state assembly elections and a loss could mean an END to his political career.
Same is with AAP, Arvind Kejriwal is letting no stone unturned to take over a full-fledged state to rule and prove his leadership skills to get into the race of Delhi(PM). With the victory in Delhi, and winning 4 seats in 2014 General Elections(that too from Punjab) gave wings to his aspirations of becoming the Supreme leader of the state of India and presenting his candidacy for the Prime Minister in 2019.
But current opinion Polls are showing a different political image in Punjab.
But now some of the opinion polls are showing a different political image of the Punjab. Almost all are giving the maximum seats and vote percentage to SAD-BJP and Congress and showing a tough fight between both of them. Although, the magic of AAP could be seen lost in these opinion polls. However, these seem pretty far from ground reality as AAP still holds strong ground in rural Punjab.
What caused the decline of strong-looking AAP in Punjab?
Although, a while ago, AAP was looking to just storms away all other parties in Punjab but the current scenarios are different. Arvind Kejriwal’s statement over SYL issue didn’t go well for him and mishandling the Such Singh Chhotepur and Sidhu scenarios also affected his credibility among the AAP workers and the voters either.
But still, AAP can be said to be the front-runner for the Punjab.
Why is BJP not taking Punjab Seriously and focusing more in other four states?
SAD- BJP’s earlier differences seems to be sorted out after Vijay Sampla sworn in as the state BJP chief but BJP ignored the continuous opposition of the Sidhu couple (Navjot Singh Sidhu and Navjot Kaur Sidhu) that leads to their switch to Congress.
BJP is considering it better to leave Punjab as a battle of Akalis vs others and to use all its power in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur. As per the current scenarios, it has strong chances of victory in these states.
And the current opinion polls have powered up the Akali workers to stand up and work hard and there is a possibility for them to revive the history. But the path to the victory is definitely not going to be easy for any of them whether it’s SAD-BJP, Congress or AAP.
But Victory could boost up their morals but ultimately the winners are going to be the people of Punjab who are going to witness the historical decision in the state. Stay tuned with us for the updates regarding Punjab Assemble Elections 2017.
