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Bharatiya Janata Party National President Shri Nitin Nabin addressed a meeting of Shakti Kendra In-charges in Ludhiana, Punjab, on Sunday. Describing Punjab as the sacred land of the Gurus, saints, martyrs, and Indian culture, Shri Nitin Nabin said that the BJP is committed to the development, security, and restoration of Punjab’s glory. The BJP National President highlighted India’s rising global stature, the significance of Yoga, development initiatives, and various welfare schemes under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Shri Nitin Nabin also accused the present Punjab government of corruption, mounting debt, failure to maintain law and order, the decline of industries, and the spread of drug abuse. He called upon BJP Karyakartas to engage directly with the people by going door-to-door, communicate the party’s policies, and work towards bringing change in 2027 to build a developed, prosperous, and drug-free Punjab. The programme was attended by Punjab BJP President Sardar Keval Singh Dhillon, National Vice President Shri Saudan Singh, National General Secretary Shri Tarun Chugh, and other party leaders.
Shri Nitin Nabin stated that Punjab is a state that not only provides security to India but also serves as a shield of Indian culture, with its people safeguarding the nation and helping Indian culture, identity, and values gain a distinct place across the world. The day was special as he had the opportunity to visit the land of the Gurus and congratulated everyone on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, which, in many ways, has established the identity of a new India on the global stage. While the traditions and values of India’s Gurus had once given the country a unique place in the world, these traditions had faded to some extent over time. It was India’s good fortune to have a leader like Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who had restored global recognition to Indian traditions and culture, and that the International Day of Yoga today stands as a symbol of India’s growing influence and the distinct place Indian culture has secured around the world.
The BJP National President remarked that Punjab is the land of the Gurus, saints, and martyrs who sacrificed their lives and shed their blood to protect both the nation and the state. Service, dedication, and sacrifice are the defining characteristics of the people of Punjab and that everyone had gathered with the resolve to ensure the state’s all-round development. Referring to the presence of party Karyakartas and representatives from all Shakti Kendras, Shri Nabin stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party still has much work to do in Punjab. Responding to questions about the BJP’s roadmap for the state, he said that, taking inspiration from the party Karyakartas and leaders whose strength has built the BJP, he was committed to the belief that Punjab’s development would be achieved under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party and that everyone must move forward with this conviction. Several dishonest individuals had deceived Punjab and some had treated the state as an ATM for their personal gain, using the fruits of the people’s hard work for their own enrichment. The people of Punjab had not received the security they deserved and remarked that while the state government claimed to have given much to the people, it had placed a very low value on human life.
Shri Nitin Nabin mentioned that he too comes from a state that once suffered from “jungle raj,” where human life had little value and people were killed for small amounts of money. Some people who came to power in Punjab had behaved in a similar manner by destroying Punjab’s spirit, youth, enthusiasm, and culture. Shri Nabin called upon everyone to take a pledge to save Punjab and said that BJP Karyakartas would reach every region and every panchayat to take to the people the development initiatives of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the trust that the common people have in his leadership. Wherever the Bharatiya Janata Party has formed governments, it has put those states on the path of development, and that if India is today moving toward becoming a global leader in development, the credit goes to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Punjab holds a special place in the Prime Minister’s heart, as he respects Punjab and considers its glory to be India’s glory. Shri Nabin expressed confidence that just as Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji holds Punjab in high regard, the people of Punjab also hold him in their hearts and would demonstrate this in the upcoming elections. No individual has done more to honour the land of the Gurus and their legacy than Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.
Rajya Sabha MP stated that all the Karyakartas at the Shakti Kendra level must be thinking about how to take the party forward, and asserted that the day they resolve to move ahead with conviction, no force would be able to stop the Bharatiya Janata Party. There was a need for all Karyakartas to pledge to reach every household, every region, every village, every chaupal, and every pind in Punjab and engage directly with the people. Despite Punjab’s need for basic amenities such as roads, water, and electricity, attempts had been made in recent years to deprive the state even of these fundamental facilities. Recalling the long-standing connection between Bihar and Punjab, he said that people from Bihar used to come to Punjab to work as labourers, contributing to the prosperity of its fields and agricultural lands and helping advance its industries. He had visited Ludhiana during the 2012 elections and had then witnessed the growth of numerous small industries, leading him to believe that Punjab’s industrial sector would attain an even greater position in the country. However, he lamented that the promising picture he had seen in 2012 had now, in many ways, been overshadowed by darkness.
Shri Nitin Nabin remarked that he was making this point because during the COVID-19 period in 2021–22, Punjab’s factories and industries were severely affected. However, during the same period, several states strengthened themselves by effectively implementing the schemes of the government led by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. In contrast, Punjab continued to fall behind on the path of development. Shri Nabin mentioned that Punjab, which had the potential to emerge as a major industrial centre and manufacturing hub through its MSME sector, had instead been turned into a centre of drugs. Questioning the government’s record, he asked what crime Punjab’s youth had committed, whether they had failed to work hard, or whether they had fallen short in supporting the government. The youth had never imagined that the government would continue to play with their future. Whether the people of Punjab did not feel that this government should be removed from power entirely. Addressing the youth and the people of Punjab, Shri Nitin Nabin said that the present government had become a curse for Punjab and that the time had come to erase this curse and this blot. The responsibility now rests with the people of Punjab, who have earned respect for the entire country through sacrifice, hard work, and struggle, and that they must now fight this battle for the future of Punjab itself.
BJP National President stated that the Punjab which needs to be transformed into a developed, prosperous, and strong state has already demonstrated its strength, capability, and valour to the nation, and that the time has come to re-establish that spirit. Everyone must take every failure of the present Punjab government to the people and work towards removing it from power. The public must be made aware of the rising incidents of murders, the drug trade, and black marketing in the state. Referring to his recent visit to Jalandhar, Shri Nabin mentioned that he had witnessed reports of killings there, despite the region once being known for its distinct identity. His visit to Amritsar, where he paid obeisance at Harmandir Sahib on the sacred land of the Gurus. Responding to questions about what the Bharatiya Janata Party had achieved over the past 12 years, he said that the BJP government had not only advanced India’s development but had also strengthened and promoted India’s culture and heritage. India’s emergence as the world’s fourth-largest economy was due to the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and that the country was steadily taking its people forward on the path of development. If 25 crore families had been lifted out of poverty, it was due to the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the efforts of the BJP government.
Shri Nitin Nabin remarked that he had come to reiterate before his colleagues that the Bharatiya Janata Party has been deeply concerned about Punjab and has made every effort to contribute to its development, whereas the present government has only tried to deceive the people. If the past decade is examined, the Union government had provided ₹1.87 lakh crore for Punjab’s development over the last 10–12 years, but it was the government in power in Punjab that had misappropriated these funds. Every rupee would be accounted for, as this money belonged to the hard work and labour of the people of Punjab and was not meant for anyone’s luxury or to turn Punjab into an ATM for those seeking to serve the interests of Delhi’s power corridors. The people of Punjab would demand accountability for every rupee and that this reckoning would take place in the 2027 elections. Referring to various welfare initiatives, Shri Nitin Nabin noted that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, four crore poor families across the country had benefited. Efforts were being made to create three crore “Lakhpati Didis” and to promote women’s empowerment and self-reliance. Speaking about healthcare initiatives, he observed that India had implemented some of the world’s largest health programmes and that through Ayushman Bharat, more than 60 crore Indians had received a protective health cover, attributing this achievement to the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.
Rajya Sabha MP observed that people often question the credibility of the Bharatiya Janata Party, and maintained that the party’s credibility lies in its ability to fulfil its promises and accomplish the resolutions it takes. The BJP had promised to abrogate the provisions of Abrogation of Article 370 and had delivered on that commitment by ending Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Recalling an earlier period, Shri Nabin remarked that there was a time when Pakistani flags were seen flying at Lal Chowk in Kashmir while the government in Delhi remained silent, but that the situation had completely changed under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji after 2014. Lal Chowk is now adorned with the Indian tricolour and Pakistani flags are no longer seen there. While Kashmir’s youth were once associated with stone-pelting, they are now being recognised as champions, including as Ranji Trophy winners. Expressing his aspirations for Punjab, he said that the state must regain its former glory and valour and called for reflection on what had happened to Punjab’s sporting legacy, its fields and farms, its internationally renowned athletes, and its industries. These issues must be taken to the people and that the resolve should be reiterated that if a BJP government comes to power, it will bring renewed enthusiasm to the state’s farmers, promote progress in agriculture, and restore Punjab’s industries to their former glory.
Shri Nitin Nabin remarked that he especially wanted to speak to the youth and cautioned them against the growing drug menace, alleging that the present government was allowing Punjab to become trapped in the curse of drugs. Shri Nabin urged young people not to sacrifice their lives to this menace, stressing that life is lived only once and that eliminating this scourge is a collective responsibility. He called upon everyone to resolve to eradicate drugs from every panchayat, every village, and every town in Punjab so that the state’s youth can realise their true potential and move forward with their rightful identity. Expressing confidence in the future of the state, Shri Nabin stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party would give a new direction to Punjab, whose glory and honour, had so far been used merely for political gain. Just as the BJP has established new benchmarks of development while governing 22 states, it remains committed to transforming Punjab into a Viksit Rajya by 2047, where every home will be illuminated and every household will benefit from the light of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Punjab is grappling with numerous challenges and continues to struggle through them, but expressed confidence that the people of Punjab are accustomed to hard work and perseverance. Referring to information shared by party colleagues, he alleged that the state government had burdened Punjab with massive debt and that borrowings exceeding ₹4 lakh crore had pushed the people of Punjab under a heavy debt burden.
BJP National President asserted that he wanted to assure the people that every rupee of the more than ₹4 lakh crore debt incurred by the state would be accounted for. When a BJP government comes to power, it would use its revenue and development models to free Punjab from this debt burden and move the state towards becoming a developed Punjab. Many states in the country also borrow funds, but they have structured mechanisms to repay those borrowings through infrastructure and revenue-based models. The present Punjab government lacks any such infrastructure or revenue model and has instead functioned merely as an ATM to send money to Delhi. The government has shown little concern about whether Punjab’s infrastructure is developing, whether new industries are coming to the state, or whether fresh investments are being attracted. Referring to the Chief Minister’s style of functioning, he observed that while he did not wish to comment directly on it, it was unfortunate to see a Chief Minister, who is the leader of the state, allegedly disrespecting the Gurus. The people of Punjab were unlikely to tolerate this and that the time had come for them to respond to it.
Shri Nitin Nabin mentioned that he was raising these issues because the people of Punjab have always placed the traditions and honour of the Gurus above everything else. The people of Punjab have consistently believed that respect for their Gurus comes before politics and that politics should follow only after ensuring the protection of faith and religious values. Shri Nabin maintained that if such developments are taking place in the state today, then the time has come for the people of Punjab to stand up and struggle for their values and identity. He called upon everyone to work together to free Punjab from what he described as a tainted and disastrous government and move towards building a developed Punjab. Punjab should be a state where the teachings of Guru Nanak resonate, where the courage of Guru Gobind Singh is reflected, where the harmonious society envisioned by Guru Ravidas is visible, where the ideals of Valmiki remain alive, and where the sacrifice of Bhai Jaita inspires the youth. He said that Punjab must become a state that takes pride in its history and in the spirit and hard work of its people.
Rajya Sabha MP asserted that he had come to urge all Karyakartas to recognise that there are no shortcuts in politics and that politics is always a field of long-term effort and commitment. Everyone must contribute their time and hard work, reach every booth, and knock on every door. The Karyakartas must go door-to-door with every aspect of the development initiatives and welfare schemes that the government led by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has implemented with a spirit of service over the past 12 years, particularly those meant for Punjab. He also called for raising the shortcomings of the state government from the panchayat level to district headquarters across the province. Every household should be given the message that the Bharatiya Janata Party deserves one opportunity, stating that just as the BJP is working to make the entire country developed, it would also transform Punjab into a developed state. The people have tried several political parties and leaders and should now place their trust in the Bharatiya Janata Party by giving it an opportunity to govern for five years.
Shri Nitin Nabin stated that when the Bharatiya Janata Party’s lotus blooms, it will be a symbol of development and trust, bringing prosperity and a new dawn to every household. The time has come to restore Punjab’s glorious legacy and re-establish the pride for which the state has long been known. Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he noted that many states across the country are benefiting from double-engine governments, but expressed regret that the benefits being extended to Punjab are not fully reaching its people. BJP wants every citizen to receive the full benefits of government schemes and to fully experience the advantages of a double-engine government. Expressing confidence in the future, he said that Punjab would usher in a new dawn and move forward by placing its trust in the lotus symbol. Recalling the party’s journey, he noted that when the Bharatiya Janata Party was founded in 1980, it had only two Members of Parliament in 1984, but has since grown into the world’s largest political party. While the party currently has two MLAs in Punjab, he firmly believes that these two legislators will become the foundation for the BJP’s future government in the state. The entire party would work in unity and with a common purpose for Punjab’s development and a new beginning for its people. While many believe that the party’s leadership is capable, he maintained that the Karyakartas are even more capable and assured them that if they devote their full strength to the cause, the entire leadership will stand shoulder to shoulder with them. Shri Nitin Nabin concluded by calling upon everyone to resolve that every BJP Karyakarta will work to take Punjab back to its glorious historical legacy.