28 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Baba Bakala in Punjab’s Amritsar district is set to witness a major political showdown today, August 28, as five prominent parties hold separate conferences alongside the annual Rakhar Punia festival.
Five Parties to Hold Separate Conferences
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), BJP and Akali Dal Waris Punjab De are preparing separate gatherings at Baba Bakala.
The events are expected to become a test of organisational strength, cadre mobilisation and the parties’ ability to attract supporters in the strategically important Majha region.
AAP Programme Near Baba Bakala
AAP will hold its programme at the grain market in Rayya, near Baba Bakala, where Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is scheduled to address what the government has described as a state-level government function.
AAP state working president Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi, Baba Bakala MLA Dalbir Singh Tong and senior officials have reviewed arrangements for the event.
Congress Factionalism Under Spotlight
The Congress gathering is expected to draw attention because of the ongoing differences within the party’s Punjab unit.
The conference is being organised mainly by the camp led by former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who is expected to attend. Several leaders associated with the rival camp may stay away, according to party sources, making the gathering a potential indicator of Congress unity ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
SAD Seeks to Show Grassroots Strength
The Shiromani Akali Dal is preparing for its traditional political conference at Baba Bakala.
Senior leader Bikram Singh Majithia has been visiting villages and meeting party workers as the SAD seeks to demonstrate that it retains a strong grassroots network in the Majha region.
BJP Makes Major Push
The BJP is making a significant push at the Rakhar Punia gathering this year, with the party organising its own political conference.
Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon is expected to lead the programme, while Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini are among the senior leaders scheduled to address the gathering.