Maghi Mela Turns Political Battleground, Offers Trailer of 2027 Punjab Assembly Elections

The annual Maghi Mela at Sri Muktsar Sahib this year witnessed not only religious fervour but also intense political activity, offering a clear preview of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Traditionally a significant panthic platform, the Maghi Mela became a stage for major political parties to attack rivals and project themselves as credible alternatives, while the Congress chose to stay away.

For the first time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised a political conference at the Maghi Mela, marking its growing ambition to expand its footprint in Punjab. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which leads the state government, returned to the platform after nearly a decade. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and ‘Waris Punjab De’ also held separate gatherings, adding to the charged political atmosphere.

BJP Targets AAP and Congress

BJP leaders launched sharp attacks on the ruling AAP government and the Congress. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu accused the AAP government of misusing official resources, alleging that government buses carrying party flags were used for political rallies. He also claimed that an RTO officer was suspended for not cooperating and demanded a public apology from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with a forensic investigation into a viral video linked to the controversy.

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar said the party organised the conference at the Maghi Mela out of a sense of responsibility. He accused Chief Minister Mann of compromising Punjab’s interests under pressure from the party’s Delhi leadership. Jakhar also targeted the Congress, accusing it of internal infighting, corruption, and divisive identity politics.

CM Bhagwant Mann Hits Back

Addressing the AAP conference, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused opposition parties of indulging in personal attacks instead of constructive politics. He asserted that his government stands firmly for Punjab’s rights and welfare. Mann announced that a ₹10 lakh health insurance cover for all citizens and a monthly assistance of ₹1,000 for women would be implemented soon.

He also accused the Shiromani Akali Dal of politicising religious issues, including matters related to faith and sacrilege, for electoral gains.

Akali Dal Raises Governance Issues

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal accused the AAP government of making false promises and misleading the people of Punjab. He claimed that government recruitments favoured outsiders and alleged that the promised financial assistance for women had yet to be implemented. Badal further alleged that Punjab was being run remotely from Delhi, undermining the state’s autonomy.

Congress Keeps Distance

In contrast, the Congress refrained from holding any political conference during the Maghi Mela. The party cited the 2017 directive of the Akal Takht, which advises political parties to avoid rallies and political programmes during religious occasions. Congress leaders questioned the role of parties that went ahead with political events despite these guidelines and sought clarification on the matter.

A Clear Signal for 2027

The political posturing at the Maghi Mela underlined the sharpening battle lines in Punjab politics. With aggressive messaging, counter-allegations, and promises of welfare and development, the event clearly served as an early trailer of the high-stakes contest expected in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.