Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar: ‘Farmer protests largely scripted. AAP, Congress trying to deny us right to campaign’

For the first time since 1996, the BJP will contest the June 1 Lok Sabha elections in Punjab alone and not in alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Helming the party’s affairs in the state is former Congress leader Sunil Jakhar who seemingly has his task cut out as the party’s candidates face backlash from farmers in a state where the BJP has yet to make inroads. In mostly rural areas of the state, protesters have stopped BJP candidates from campaigning.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Jakhar talks about the protests, why he blames the AAP and the Congress for the demonstrations, and the BJP’s challenges in Punjab. Excerpts:

Sunil Jakhar: Our campaign is focused on propelling the development model of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Punjab suffered due to the falsehood (of the Opposition) and failed promises of the current dispensation. We have credible candidates in all 13 seats, who can deliver. The BJP has gained significantly in Punjab in a short span. People are now able to see through the smokescreen that the Opposition has created.

Sunil Jakhar: The protests are largely scripted. AAP and Congress workers have infiltrated the protests and are trying to deny the BJP its right to campaign. This can have dangerous consequences as these elements can orchestrate violence against the farmers to present the BJP in a bad light. However, people are now aware of the ill designs of the AAP and the Congress.

Sunil Jakhar: The Lok Sabha elections are a stepping stone for the 2027 Assembly polls. The biggest challenge is the AAP and the Congress denying us the right to campaign. We have brought the matter to the notice of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). In villages where our candidates are not able to reach out, our