In a significant political move ahead of the 2027 Assembly election, BJP on Tuesday stepped into Punjab’s Sikh religious space independently, organising its own ‘Kirtan Darbar’ at Virasat‑e‑Khalsa, Anandpur Sahib, as part of the ongoing commemorations of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

This marks the first time that BJP — traditionally a junior partner in the SAD‑led religious and political landscape — has conducted a standalone Sikh religious programme in the state.

Political observers view the event as a calibrated attempt by the BJP leadership to expand its influence among Sikh voters, a constituency where the party has historically had limited traction. The decision to hold an independent religious event is being seen as a departure from the party’s earlier poli

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