Elections – Punjab Parties Begin Campaign Push Ahead of 2027 Polls
Elections – With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections less than a year away, political activity across the state has intensified as major parties prepare to formally launch their campaigns. Rallies, strategy meetings and outreach programmes are being scheduled across key districts, signalling the start of what is expected to be a closely watched electoral contest.
Congress Plans Barnala Rally Led by Rahul Gandhi
The Congress party has announced that senior leader Rahul Gandhi will address a public rally in Barnala on February 28. Party officials confirmed that preparations are underway at the local grain market, where the event is expected to draw workers and supporters from across the region.
The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee has appointed senior leader Hardial Singh Kamboj as the district in-charge for the rally. In a communication issued by PPCC general secretary Sandeep Singh Sandhu, local units have been directed to organise a coordination meeting in Barnala. The gathering will include block presidents, district office-bearers, former candidates, and prominent leaders such as Barnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhillon to ensure smooth arrangements and strong participation.
Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said the entire state leadership would be present at the rally. He added that the party intends to address several pressing issues, including the law and order situation in Punjab, the implementation of the MGNREGA scheme, and the potential impact of the India–US trade agreement on farmers.
Party leaders have also been advised to set aside internal differences and focus on presenting a united front as the election season approaches.
BJP Seeks Momentum After Alliance Break
The Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to hold its own rally in early March, which will be addressed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The party has been working to strengthen its independent presence in Punjab since its long-standing alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal ended in 2020.
Political observers note that the upcoming rally will be significant for the BJP as it attempts to expand its organisational network and consolidate support across different regions of the state.
AAP Continues Anti-Drug Outreach Campaign
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party has already begun mobilising its cadre. On February 16, the party organised an anti-drug rally at Killi Chahlan village in Moga as part of its ongoing campaign titled Yuddh Nasheyan Viruddh. The programme focused on the government’s efforts to address drug-related concerns, an issue that has remained central to Punjab’s political discourse for several years.
By initiating its campaign early, AAP appears keen to highlight its governance record while maintaining engagement with grassroots supporters.
Shiromani Akali Dal Launches Statewide Drive
The Shiromani Akali Dal has also stepped into campaign mode with the launch of its Punjab Bachao, Sukhbir Singh Badal Liyao initiative from Qadian. The programme marks the party’s formal entry into preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections.
The Akali Dal had planned a major rally last August, but it was cancelled at the last minute due to floods in several parts of the state. Party leaders have now indicated that another large public meeting will be organised after April 13.
Why Moga Remains Politically Significant
Moga continues to hold strategic importance in Punjab’s electoral landscape. Located centrally, the district is accessible from the Malwa, Doaba and Majha regions, making it a convenient venue for statewide mobilisation. It has also witnessed significant farmer union activity over the years, adding to its political relevance.
In the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Congress launched its Mission 13 campaign from Moga. A planned rally by Rahul Gandhi in 2022 was later cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. The party had earlier organised a major event in Baghapurana ahead of the 2017 Assembly polls.
The Aam Aadmi Party has similarly used Moga as a starting point for its campaigns, including the launch of its Kisan manifesto in 2016 and a Kisan Maha Sammelan in 2021 ahead of the 2022 elections. The Shiromani Akali Dal, too, has traditionally chosen Moga to begin its election outreach.
As political parties roll out their plans, the coming months are expected to see intensified activity across Punjab, with public rallies and issue-based campaigns shaping the narrative ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.