Punjab BJP state President Sunil Jakhar recently said that his party will contest all 13 Lok Sabha sears in the state independently. The BJP has not allied with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) since 1996.

Sunil Jakhar in an interview with a news publication, said that this decision signifies a new chapter in the party’s strategy in Punjab. The BJP had allied with the SAD in Punjab for over two decades, and is considered to be a major coalition in the state’s political landscape.

The BJP state chief noted that the decision to contest independently was taken on the account of the feedback from the public and party members, reflecting a growing sentiment within the BJP to establish a stronger, independent presence in Punjab.

Jakhar continued that the Lok Sabha election was the most appropriate time for the BJP to contest independently, as the state is looking for an option. He asserted that Punjab tried out-of-the-box experiment in form of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), but are dissappointed with them.

He further highlighted the BJP’s work under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in securing minimum support prices for farmers, as key accomplishments that the party will present to the electorate. This development follows as the BJP aims to consolidate its position and expand its influence in Punjab.

Notably, the SAD was one of the oldest allies of the BJP. Nonetheless, the SAD severed ties with the NDA in September 2020 over the now repealed farm laws that saw widespread protests in northern India.

Speaking about coalition with SAD, the BJP state chief said that the alliance was not political but a social one. He added that the party is facing a battle of survival, and that its leader Sukhbir Singh Badal has sins to wash of, including the drug problem and sacrilege cases.

Election in Punjab’s 13 Lok Sabha seats is scheduled for June 1, 2024. This development is expected to significantly alter the dynamics of the electoral battle in Punjab, traditionally dominated by the SAD-BJP coalition and the Congress party.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was addressing a public rally in Hooghly on Wednesday where she said TMC will provide support to the INDIA bloc from outside if it comes to power after the Lok Sabha elections. She promised that the TMC will provide leadership to the INDIA bloc, and help them in every way possible from outside. Banerjee said they will form a government so that the women in West Bengal do not face a problem and those who work in the 100-days-job scheme, do not face any challenges.

The TMC leader claimed that Trinamool Congress will ensure that the INDIA bloc comes to power. Mamata Banerjee earlier had said that INDIA bloc will win at least 315 seats while the BJP will win a maximum of 195 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Last month Banerjee cautioned voters in West Bengal against supporting Congress and CPI(M), as this would benefit the BJP by splitting votes.

The West Bengal CM said the BJP understands the situation well and despite its 400 paar slogan. She also mentioned former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s India Shining’ campaign in 2004 in this context and said everyone thought that BJP would win, but the mood of the people changed and they did not to vote for the NDA.

A day before Mamata Banerjee had addressed back-to-back rallies in Kalyani and Serampore where she asserted that the INDIA bloc will form the next government at the Centre by winning more than 300 Lok Sabha seats. She also claimed that the only guarantee is that BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not get a 3rd term at the Centre. Mamata Banerjee is a prominent member of the INDIA bloc, has been urging voters to maintain focus and avoid dividing their attention among other parties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday was addressing an election rally in Mumbai where he announced that the blueprint for first 100 days of third term is ready. The Prime Minister announced that his 100-day plan will begin promptly after June 4 to avoid any delays in decision-making.

PM Modi at election rally in Kalyan, Maharashtra said India is achieving big targets and the blueprint for first 100 days in third term is ready. He said the BJP government is moving ahead with a blueprint of work that it will do after June 4.  The prime minister said people question his confidence over this. He added that it’s not his confidence but the blessings that he receives from people of the country.

PM Modi said that he has taken inspiration from the youth for the 100-day plan.  He said the youth he met during his campaigning have given him very good suggestions. So, he is adding the new 25 days. He said he wanted the youth of India to send him whatever thoughts come to their mind.

Secretaries and senior officials across ministries have been caught in rounds of meetings and presentations with the cabinet secretary, principal secretary to the PM, and Niti Aayog, which is coordinating the formulation of the 100 day blue print.

The blueprint will contain the first 100 days of planning, as well as midterm and long-term goals. The blueprint has been categorized into 3 categories: A, B, and C. Category A goals are those of the utmost priority and are expected to be declared by the Prime Minister nearly as soon as he enters office. In contrast, Category B targets will be announced by Union ministers and Ministers of State within the first few days. The Category C includes plans which are long term in character with a rollout planned for the next 2-3 years.