NEW DELHI: The impact of Sikh-Punjabi voters in 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Delhi is expected to be significant.
Over the years, the influence of Sikh Punjabi voters has somewhat diminished compared to other social and religious groups, such as the Purvanchalis (eastern Indian community) in Delhi. The Punjabi community, including Sikhs, makes up about 20% of the city’s voters. They hold significant influence in the West Delhi Constituency and some parts of the North and East Delhi constituencies.
All three parties—Aam Aadmi Party, BJP, and Congress—are trying to woo voters belonging to the Punjabi Sikh community. Recently, there has been a notable shift in the political landscape, with around 1,500 Sikhs, including members of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This move is expected to boost the BJP’s prospects, especially in West Delhi, where there is a sizeable Sikh population that could play a decisive role in the elections.
Speaking with The Sunday Guardian, R.P.N. Singh, BJP national spokesperson, asserted that the BJP believes in inclusive leadership. “PM Modi has exempted Langar (the community kitchen) from taxes, the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, and the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the 1984 Sikh riots during his tenure. These efforts are to support the Sikh community.”
Singh further added that PM Modi also announced to celebrate Veer Bal Diwas on December 26 to honor the sacrifice of the ‘Sahibzades’, the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. The day would specifically commemorate the sacrifice of the youngest Sahibzades, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, who were martyred at the tender ages of six and nine.
Akali Dal has yet to announce which party they will support in Delhi.
Paramjit Singh Sarna, Delhi Akali chief, said, “We will announce our support just five days before the elections. We have conveyed our demands to parties, which include a visa on arrival for Sikh pilgrims at Kartarpur Sahib and freeing Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences but are still lodged in jails.”
He added that the Sikh community is not happy with the BJP’s intervention in the functioning of Gurdwara management boards, which has hurt Sikh voters.
The Sunday Guardian spoke to some voters from the West Delhi constituency.
Parneet Kaur, a college student, said, “Overall, Sikh voters are in favor of the BJP. They focus on national security and keep our borders safe.”
Taranjit Singh said, “The issue of unemployment is huge. Our children are going abroad for jobs, which is sad to see. The government should focus on providing job opportunities, and this government has failed to do so.”
According to Dr. Avneet Kaur Bhatia, “Sikh Punjabi voters have traditionally voted for the BJP in Delhi, and I don’t see much change in it in this election either. However, the break-up of the Akali-BJP alliance would impact the Akali Sikhs, who may not vote for the BJP. Also, a part of Sikhs who have roots in Punjab have the issue of farmers’ protests in mind, which could be reflected in their electoral choices.”