The Future of Electoral Politics in Punjab

Rejuvenating our own sovereign Sikh institutions is the most effective means for Panth-Punjab to emerge from the current situation.

Panth-Punjab Project | @panth_punjab

With increasing intensity over the past several years, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) has been unraveling. 

Punjab’s voters line up to cast their ballots in Indian elections

While the Badal Dal’s ascent in the late-1990s was built on state violence targeting Sikh jujharoos, dharmik institutions, and Khalistani activists, the party quickly capitalized on the opportunity to monopolize politics in the region. This rise to power was contingent on Delhi’s tacit approval based on Badal’s willingness to actively repress panthic activists and limit Punjab’s political discourse to an apolitical rhetoric of vikaas (economic development)—rooted in the 1991 neoliberal shift in the region.

Since then however, the party’s credibility and support base has been swept away–along with Delhi’s patronage which had helped Badal weather many storms. As Punjab’s electoral scene continues its descent into chaos today, there has been considerable churning and reflection within Sikh spaces about what Sikh politics should look like. 

This week, we encourage readers to read the linked articles and watch the below videos that seek to explore the depth of the current political crisis and how rejuvenating our own sovereign Sikh institutions is the most effective means for Panth-Punjab to emerge from the current situation. 

Rather than merely seeking to replace a singular figurehead within the Akali Dal, these resources call for a deep self-reflection to reorganize the Sikh political ecosystem in its entirety to ensure that the fulcrum of power remains within sovereign Sikh institutions rather than electoral politics beholden to the Indian state.

1. Talk with Rattan EP 466| Show with Bhai Mandhir Singh:

2. Jasveer Singh Show | " ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖਤ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰੰਬਧ ਹੁਣ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਮੁਤਾਬਿਕ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ " Dr. Sewak Singh Interview:

3. Sikh Siyasat | Reasons Behind Disarray & Factionalism in Sikh Electoral Politics of Punjab? & Future Probabilities: