The BJP is projecting this as a major strategic victory, and Narendra Modi is calling it a time for “change, not revenge.” From their perspective, they may indeed be right, because the BJP has set itself on a path to alter the country’s secular, democratic and socially harmonious traditions. The attempt to reduce minorities to second-class citizens, to impose the traditions of one religion upon everyone, the creation of an atmosphere that undermines the dignity and security of women, and the increasing atrocities against Dalits—all these are part of that so-called “change.” Measures such as making the singing of “Vande Mataram” compulsory in Madrasas in Bengal are also indicative of the same mindset. The BJP believed that Bengal was a major obstacle in its path, and now it feels that obstacle has been removed.

At one point, Mamata Banerjee had launched a major movement to dislodge the Left Front government. Besides people with right-wing ideological leanings, the movement also included ultra-left groups, several NGOs, and intellectuals who projected themselves as champions of public welfare. During that period, Mamata Banerjee also entered into alliances with the BJP and even became part of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. This political proximity gradually created space for the BJP to establish itself in Bengal.

But circumstances have now changed. Today, the BJP can no longer be viewed merely as a political party; it must also be seen as the political expression of the RSS’s divisive and communal ideology. Therefore, it has become extremely important to identify who stands with this ideology and who opposes it.

At the beginning of next year, elections are due in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh has already deteriorated considerably. The politics of Yogi Adityanath has spread such venom against minorities that it has influenced large sections of Hindu society. False propaganda, distorted presentations of history, and the use of bulldozers against the homes of minorities despite Supreme Court orders are dangerous signs for democracy.

In incidents such as Unnao and Hathras, involving the rape and murder of women, the accused continued to enjoy political patronage instead of the victims receiving justice. Contrary to the glossy image of “law and order” being projected through the media, the ground reality remains deeply disturbing.

In these circumstances, the upcoming elections in Punjab assume great significance. The BJP is making every possible effort to form a government in Punjab on its own. Although Punjab’s social structure differs from that of many other states, the BJP is employing every tactic—from cultivating ‘deras’ to promoting religious polarization. Its primary expectation is that the Hindu vote will consolidate in its favour.

However, the history of Punjab tells a very different story. Punjab has always stood firmly against communalism and oppression. It was Punjab that first resisted foreign invaders. When the British were occupying the rest of India, Maharaja Ranjit Singh prevented them from crossing the Sutlej River. Although the British signed treaties in 1809 and 1831, they hesitated to directly confront Maharaja Ranjit Singh because of his strength.

Only after the Maharaja’s death, when political weakness emerged in Punjab, were the British able to take control. Yet the spirit of Punjab never accepted slavery. From the Ghadar revolutionaries to Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Saifuddin Kitchlew, Madan Lal Dhingra, and Prithvi Singh Azad etc., Punjab produced countless people’s heroes who challenged British rule. Punjabis endured unimaginable torture even in the Cellular Jail of the Andamans, but they never surrendered.

Punjab’s Sufi and Guru traditions taught people the values of humanity, equality, and resistance against oppression. Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji not only preached social harmony but also raised his voice against tyrannical rulers. The sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus infused the soul of Punjab with the spirit of justice and resistance.

Whether it was the 1907 “Pagri Sambhal Jatta” movement or the Gurdwara Reform Movement, Punjab fought against oppression in every era. During Partition, Punjab witnessed the greatest bloodshed, yet it also offered countless examples of humanity, where people risked their own lives to save members of other communities from communal violence. Even during the dark years of terrorism, Punjab did not witness communal riots. The unity of the people ultimately defeated separatist movement.

The very forces that today seek to dominate Punjab are the same forces that stood with the British during India’s freedom struggle. History bears witness to the fact that the RSS neither played any role in the freedom movement nor respected the ideology of revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh.

Even after Independence, Punjabis made enormous sacrifices in the defense of country’s integrity and sovereignty. During the war with China in 1962, the women of Punjab donated even their jewellery for the defence of the nation. According to available information, out of the 257 kilograms of gold collected across the country at that time, 252 kilograms came from the women of Punjab.

The people of Punjab have also not forgotten the government’s indifference during the farmers’ movement and the deaths of more than 700 farmers protesting against the anti-farmer laws.

Therefore, Punjab possesses the strength to halt the advancing chariot of the RSS-BJP. But for that, what is needed is not merely emotion, but people’s unity, historical consciousness, and a clear democratic strategy. (IPA Service)