31 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has said that Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and the party if voted to power in the state in 2027 Assembly elections, will resolve all such issues in the interest of Punjab.
He spoke to The Tribune in an exclusive interview looking back at the year 2025 and looking ahead at the party’s fortunes in the next year.
1. Where does the BJP stand in Punjab today?
The BJP believes that the people of Punjab are looking for a political alternative, having been fed up with visionless and self-serving politics driven by personal interests. And the state BJP is that alternative that Punjab can rely upon.
The party is capable of addressing the problems of law and order, unemployment, drug addiction and can improve the condition of the farming community. The party has proven its ability to provide good governance at the national level.
By bringing Delhi and Punjab closer, the party can and will strongly present Punjab’s legitimate demands before the Centre and ensure their resolution. As a national party, this is our responsibility, and we accept this responsibility. The state BJP is very conscious of the fact that in spite of all that Punjab has sacrificed and contributed for the sake of India’s Independence, its geopolitics and food security, the state has not got its rightful dues. Our party will act as a bridge between the state and the Centre.
2. Recent zila parishad and other election results suggest that the BJP’s influence is largely limited to its traditional strongholds —Fazilka and Pathankot. Why has the party not been able to expand its influence in other areas?
In these elections, we’ve expanded our reach across every booth in Punjab, but we also realise there’s still much to be done. We’re committed to spreading awareness about the BJP-led Central government’s welfare schemes, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to every village and household. The recent awareness camps we organised were met with resistance from the state government, perhaps because they know these schemes for farmers and labourers will resonate with people, shifting support towards the BJP and countering opposition misinformation. We are determined to keep pushing with our awareness campaign more vigorously.
The zila parishad elections saw low turnout, showing people weren’t exactly enthused. Votes were cast on local issues, not expecting a change in the AAP government’s performance. But we’re stepping up our efforts, taking the Centre’s schemes under PM Modi directly to the people — louder and clearer!
3. You had earlier offered your resignation, but the party asked you to continue. Will you lead the party in the 2027 Assembly elections?
The party is an organisation, and in an organisation, everyone is important. Every election is contested by the party as a collective effort, and the next elections, too, will be fought with unity and collective spirit by the entire party.
4.The party leader Captain Amarinder Singh has spoken about an alliance with the Akali Dal, but the party does not appear inclined in that direction. Are you in favour of an alliance with the Akali Dal?
On the issue of an alliance with the Akali Dal, we have clearly stated that all decisions regarding alliances wouldbe taken at the level of the party high command. We have also said that the party will take only those decisions that are in the interest of Punjab and Punjabis. For us, Punjab and Punjabis are more important than merely forming a government.
5. Your party colleague Ravneet Bittu has supported allowing Amritpal, who is in custody under the NSA, to participate in the parliamentary session. What is your view on this?
For me, the country comes first. Taking an oath to the Constitution is a solemn pledge, not just reciting words in front of a returning officer. The Constitution grants rights, but it also imposes duties, and loyalty to India is paramount. If someone disavows his Indian identity, treats his passport as a mere travel document, and talks openly about breaking national unity, his claim to constitutional rights needs scrutiny. Their intent and purpose should be examined closely under the law.
6. Does the BJP realistically have a chance to form a government in Punjab on its own?
Absolutely. The primary reason why Punjab today is in such a bad condition is the lack of capable leadership in the state.
Bhagwant Mann has been reduced to a figurehead Chief Minister. The Punjab Congress leadership has surrendered before the government to cover up their own misdeeds. The Akali Dal is entangled in its internal conflicts. Punjabis are also very well aware that only a party with capable and sensitive leadership can pull the state out of this quagmire.
Moreover, given the kind of economic conditions created in the state, it is not possible to fix these without a strong partnership with the Centre.
Punjab is now looking towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership qualities as well for his concern for Punjab. The opening of the Kartarpur corridor even when the Indo-Pak relations were not very cordial shows his ability and courage to overcome challenging situations as well as his respect for religious sentiments. The surge in the BJP’s vote share in the parliamentary elections, up from 6 per cent to more than 18 per cent, is a proof of his strong connect with the state.
In these circumstances where BJP alone can address the concerns of the state today, I am fully confident that the people of Punjab will support the party in the next Assembly elections.
7. Does the Punjab BJP support handing over Chandigarh to Punjab and Punjab’s rights over river waters?
Yes. The Punjab BJP stands firmly with the interests of Punjab — whether it is the issue of Chandigarh, river waters or any other matter. For us, Punjab comes first. These issues were complicated by previous governments and Punjabis are still bearing the consequences today. If the people of Punjab give the party an opportunity to serve at the state level, we will engage effectively with the Central government to resolve these issues in Punjab’s interest and ensure that Punjab receives what is rightfully due to it.
Summary:
Senior leader Sunil Jakhar reiterated that Chandigarh belongs to Punjab, stressing that passing a resolution on the issue remains a top priority. His statement comes amid renewed political debate over Chandigarh’s status, with leaders in Punjab asserting the state’s long-standing claim and calling for a clear resolution to address the matter.