Chandigarh, June 3 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to “build a prosperous, harmonious, and well-governed Punjab”, describing the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh as an ideal model for the state.

Making the announcement in Chandigarh, BJP leaders said the current Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government would be voted out of power in the 2027 Assembly elections and that Punjab would be given a new direction.

The commitment was expressed on the occasion of Kewal Singh Dhillon formally assuming charge as the Punjab BJP President.

While taking over charge at the state BJP headquarters here, Dhillon installed a portrait of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and presented his governance as a source of inspiration.

Among those present on the occasion were Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, BJP National Vice-President Saudan Singh, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, BJP National Secretary Narendra Singh Raina, BJP Parliamentary board member Iqbal Singh Lalpura, former State BJP Presidents Sunil Jakhar, Ashwani Sharma, Vijay Sampla and Shwait Malik, and Rajya Sabha members Satnam Singh Sandhu and Ashok Mittal.

Addressing party workers after assuming office, Dhillon said, “The Punjab of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a Punjab where every farmer was prosperous, every faith was respected and no Punjabi lived under fear. We are committed to creating such a Punjab where every citizen enjoys equality and dignity.”

He urged BJP workers to follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and said the BJP would earn the trust of the people of Punjab through this vision.

Dhillon said the Aam Aadmi Party came to power in Punjab promising change but had disappointed every section of society.

The real change that Punjabis are looking for, he asserted, can only be delivered by the BJP.

BJP National General Secretary Chugh said that in 2027 the BJP would provide Punjab with a government inspired by the good governance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Linking it with the spirit of “Khalsa Raj”, he added the BJP would lead Punjab on the path of development, security and social harmony.

Giving party workers a new slogan, “Na Aapda, Na Kaapda, Punjab Mangda Bhajpa”, Chugh said only the BJP has the capability to free Punjab from drugs, gangsterism and corruption.

He claimed that the countdown for the Aam Aadmi Party had begun from this day.

Former State BJP President Jakhar said the BJP has always made sacrifices and shown commitment for Punjab.

He noted that the party had even played the role of a junior ally to a regional party (Shiromani Akali Dal) in the past in order to strengthen the ‘Hindu-Sikh’ unity in Punjab.

Even today, Jakhar said, the BJP’s foremost objective is to preserve social harmony rather than merely achieve electoral victories.

Without naming the Congress, the former State BJP Chief added, “Some people call themselves secular, yet practice politics in the name of religion and caste. They are promoting divisive politics in Punjab, and only the BJP has the remedy for it.”

Former State BJP President and Pathankot legislator Ashwani Sharma said Punjab seeks freedom from drugs, gangsterism, corruption and the politics of unfulfilled promises.

He emphasised that everyone must work together to achieve this goal.

Speaking to the media, Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said that issues should not be turned into unnecessary controversies.

He also made special mention of the presence of BJP leaders Preneet Kaur and Jai Inder Kaur on the dias.

–IANS

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