Sunil Jakhar interview: ‘Farmer protests largely scripted. AAP, Congress trying to deny us right to campaign’

IE: How is the BJP campaign going in Punjab?

Sunil Jakhar: Our campaign is focused on propelling the development model of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Punjab suffered due to the falsehood (of the Opposition) and failed promises of the current dispensation. We have credible candidates who can deliver. The BJP has gained significantly in Punjab in a short span. People are now able to see through the smokescreen that the Opposition has created.

IE: What are your expectations from BJP candidates, given that they are facing protests from farmers?

Sunil Jakhar: The protests are largely scripted. AAP and Congress workers have infiltrated the protests and are trying to deny the BJP its right to campaign. This can have dangerous consequences as these elements can orchestrate violence against the farmers to present the BJP in a bad light. However, people are now aware of the ill designs of the AAP and the Congress.

IE: What are the challenges before the BJP?

Sunil Jakhar: The Lok Sabha elections are a stepping stone for the 2027 Assembly polls. The biggest challenge is the AAP and the Congress denying us the right to campaign. We have brought the matter to the notice of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). In villages where our candidates are not able to reach out, our cadre are doing the job. By 2027, the BJP will have a near total presence in the state and will sweep the polls.

IE: How do you plan to tackle the farmer protests?

Sunil Jakhar: We have cautioned farmer organisations to keep an eye on the ulterior motives of the AAP and the Congress. The farmers have every right to put forward their points in a democratic manner. Dialogue is the only way forward and the doors of the BJP have always been open.

IE: A SAD-BJP alliance seemed to be in the works for some time. What went wrong?

Sunil Jakhar: The BJP took a concerted decision to expand its footprint in the state. The SAD too feared giving us more seats.

IE: It is being said that the new Punjab BJP is the old Congress. What is the reason behind such a large influx of leaders into the BJP?

Sunil Jakhar: The ultimate goal of a good political leader is to serve people. The Congress in Punjab is a spent force. Leaders are switching to the BJP as they see hope, progress and delivery of promises. The mass exodus of leaders from the Congress and other parties underlines their gross failure to deliver.

IE: Why are you not contesting?

Sunil Jakhar: I am out of electoral politics. I was disappointed and hurt when colleagues in my former party said, ‘Punjab mein aag lag jaayegi (Punjab will burn) if a Hindu is made the CM.’ The Congress tried to divide the state on the lines of Hindus and Sikhs. I felt my integrity and identity were being questioned. I told this to Rahul Gandhi when he called me but thereafter there was no dialogue.

Instead of distancing the party from those who tried damaging the social fabric of the state by creating a Hindu-Sikh binary in Punjab, the Congress party issued me a notice  7-8 months after the incident. This affront to my self-respect proved to be the last straw.

The BJP central leadership has given me a challenging role, especially when the hostile Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is denying our candidates the right to campaign. As a candidate, I would have limited myself to a particular constituency.

IE: How different is the BJP from the Congress?

Sunil Jakhar: The Congress has lost its credibility and only wants to cash in on its past legacy. On the other hand, the last decade under PM Modi has redefined the growth trajectory of India. The core strength of the BJP lies in its strong cadre and ideology, which seems to be missing in the Congress.

IE: Most former Congressmen now hold top posts in the state BJP. Has there been any resistance?

Sunil Jakhar: The BJP is a disciplined, cadre-based party. There is no such feeling (of dissent) from any leader. The leadership must have considered all factors before appointing me as the state chief.

IE: What are your campaign issues?

Sunil Jakhar: The BJP’s national narrative resonates in Punjab. Our agenda revolves around development. People in Punjab are suffering due to the failed promises of the AAP government. Corruption has increased and the drug menace remains rampant. The BJP offers a formidable alternative in the state.