The political landscape in Punjab is witnessing fresh activity ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with the possibility of a renewed alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gaining momentum. Amid these developments, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is set to hold a high-level strategy meeting in Chandigarh on Friday, November 13, to review the BJP's organisational preparedness and discuss its wider political outreach in the state.
The meeting, expected to last around four hours, will be chaired by RSS Joint General Secretary Arun Kumar, one of the organisation's senior functionaries. Senior RSS representatives and prominent Punjab BJP leaders are expected to participate in the discussions. The meeting comes at a significant time as political parties intensify their preparations for the next Assembly elections.
RSS to Review BJP's Organisational Preparedness in Punjab
The meeting is expected to focus on the BJP's organisational expansion, booth-level strength and strategy to increase its presence across Punjab. According to reports, the party has established its organisational network across more than 24,000 polling booths in the state.
The RSS has also been working at the grassroots level to strengthen the BJP's outreach among different sections of society. The broader approach is aimed at connecting with communities across Punjab, including Sikhs, Hindus and various caste groups.
The discussions are also expected to assess the ground-level situation and identify areas where the party needs to strengthen its organisational presence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Focus on OBCs, SCs and Influential Deras
A significant part of the BJP's outreach strategy reportedly revolves around expanding its support among Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs), two politically important sections of Punjab's electorate.
The party is also looking to engage with influential religious and social organisations, including deras, to broaden its connect with different communities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly been personally involved in outreach efforts involving influential deras in Punjab.
The strategy reflects the BJP's efforts to expand beyond its traditional urban support base and build a stronger presence across rural and semi-urban constituencies.
Kewal Singh Dhillon, Manpreet Badal Among Leaders Invited
Several senior Punjab BJP leaders are expected to attend the meeting. Those invited reportedly include Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon, state organising secretary Manthri Srinivasulu and BJP vice-president Manpreet Badal, along with other senior organisational representatives.
The meeting will take stock of the party's preparations and discuss how the RSS and BJP can coordinate their organisational activities in the state.
SAD-BJP Alliance Talks Add to Political Significance
The RSS meeting comes as discussions between the SAD and BJP over a possible reunion for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections have reportedly reached an advanced stage.
According to reports, both parties are targeting a formal announcement within November, with seat-sharing arrangements among the key issues still being discussed. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal is also expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Friday, although there has been no official confirmation of the proposed meeting.
The two parties had ended their long-standing alliance in 2020 following disagreements over the now-repealed farm laws. They subsequently contested the 2022 Assembly elections separately.
With organisational preparations gaining momentum and alliance discussions progressing, the coming weeks could be important in shaping the BJP's electoral strategy and the broader political equations in Punjab ahead of 2027.
