Punjab’s panthic vote is no longer a dependable bloc for one political organisation. The contest is being shaped by the weakening of the Shiromani Akali Dal’s traditional base, the rise of newer panthic voices and attempts by larger parties to build relationships with religious and rural voters.
The Akali Dal’s separate contest with the BJP in 2024 coincided with a vote share of about 13.5 per cent and a victory only in Bathinda. Analysts connect its credibility problems to the 2015 sacrilege controversy, the Dera Sacha Sauda pardon dispute, allegations of dynastic politics and dissatisfaction among workers.
The Aam Aadmi Party used justice in sacrilege cases and Bhagwant Mann’s local Jat-Sikh image to make inroads in Majha and Malwa. Amritpal Singh’s 2024 Khadoor Sahib victory, secured while he was in jail, signalled a new direction among some young panthic voters.
Waris Punjab De, the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) and the BJP are each pursuing different routes to this electorate. The Akali Dal is returning to issues including detained Sikhs, river-water rights and Akal Takht autonomy. The next election will test which organisation can turn fragmented support into trust.