Gurpreet Singh :- Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that Punjab requires a “double-engine government” to effectively tackle the drug problem and strengthen governance in the state. Addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ‘Badlaav Rally’ at Killi Chahlan village in Moga district, Shah said better coordination between the Centre and the state would help resolve several challenges facing Punjab.
Shah, who arrived at the rally wearing a saffron turban, was welcomed with loud slogans by party workers and supporters. Beginning his address with the Sikh religious slogan “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal,” he later greeted the gathering with “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh,” drawing an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Several BJP leaders, including Sunil Jakhar, Ashwani Sharma, Tarun Chugh, Ravneet Singh Bittu and Iqbal Singh Lalpura, also addressed the gathering before Shah and called upon party workers to strengthen the organisation across the state.
Highlighting welfare initiatives of the Centre, Shah said farmers across the country are receiving financial assistance under government schemes, with funds being transferred directly to their bank accounts. He said such measures have helped strengthen the agricultural sector and support rural families.
Raising concerns over the situation in Punjab, Shah said issues such as drugs, crime and unemployment remain serious challenges. He argued that a government working in coordination with the Centre could take stronger steps to address these problems and restore development momentum in the state.
Referring to the party’s performance in the last Lok Sabha elections, Shah said the vote share received by the BJP in Punjab reflects a growing base of support. He noted that similar trends in several other states had eventually translated into the formation of BJP governments.
Concluding his speech, Shah paid tributes to Sikh Gurus and revered saints, and also remembered freedom fighters including Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, saying their sacrifices continue to inspire the nation.
