Why did the BJP pick the ‘Hardliners’ Heartland for Amit Shah’s show of strength in Punjab?

Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ February 26,2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chosen Moga in Punjab for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s ‘Badlav Rally’ on March 14 as part of a broader political strategy ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Punjab BJP Working State President Ashwani Sharma announced that the rally aims to project the BJP as a credible alternative to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), claiming that various sections of Punjab are dissatisfied with the current government and seeking change.

Political observers believe the rally will serve as the BJP’s early campaign signal for the 2027 Assembly elections. Moga holds strategic importance as it lies geographically in the center of Punjab and falls within the politically significant Malwa belt. The proposed venue, Village Killi Chahlan on the Ludhiana–Jagraon–Moga road, reportedly spans 80–90 acres, offering ample parking space and easy accessibility.

Speculation is rife that Amit Shah may announce steps regarding the release of Sikh prisoners, popularly referred to as “Bandi Singhs.” Union Minister and senior BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu has supported their release, viewing it as a potential move to appeal to Sikh voters.

Moga also carries symbolic and political weight. It is the home district of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who hailed from Village Rode in Moga district.

The Moga Assembly constituency falls under the Faridkot parliamentary constituency, currently represented by Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, an Independent MP elected in 2024. He is the son of Beant Singh, one of the assassins of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Reports suggest that Sarabjit Singh Khalsa maintained a strong lead in the Moga region.

Additionally, Amritpal Singh, chief of ‘Waris Punjab De’ and a pro-Khalistan activist, held his Dastarbandi (turban-tying) ceremony in September 2022 in Rode village, Moga. He was later arrested in April 2023 at a gurdwara in Moga city. In 2024 he became Lok sabha MP from Tarn Taran.

Moga district has also been described as a hotspot for extremist elements and gang activity. Notably, Arshdeep Singh Gill, also known as Arsh Dalla, a Canada-based terrorist designated by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) for alleged involvement in extortion and targeted killings, hails from Pattimal village Dala, PS Mehna in the district.

When attempts were made to contact the state BJP leaders and spokespersons—Anil Sareen, Vineet Joshi, and Pritpal Singh—none of them responded to calls.

Overall, the BJP’s decision to hold the rally in Moga appears to be a calculated political move, combining geographical centrality, symbolic significance, and electoral considerations as the party prepares to strengthen its presence in Punjab ahead of 2027.