With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections drawing closer, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has intensified its outreach towards Sanatan religious communities by launching projects linked to Hindu religious infrastructure in the state. On Wednesday, senior party leaders laid the foundation stone of a Sanatan Bhawan in Ludhiana, describing it as part of the government’s efforts to promote religious and cultural heritage.
AAP’s Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia, Punjab unit chief and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, Cabinet Minister Hardeep Mundian, Ludhiana North MLA Madan Lal Bagga and councillor Aman Bagga participated in the foundation stone-laying ceremony at Chhawani Mohalla. A ‘sankirtan’ was also organised to mark the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Bagga said the demand for a Sanatan Bhawan in the locality had been pending for several years. He said the proposal was placed before Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who approved the project. The building will be constructed using Municipal Corporation funds and is intended to serve as a venue for religious, cultural and community activities.
Municipal Commissioner Ojaswi Alankar said the civic body would ensure the project is completed at the earliest.
Speaking at the event, Sisodia said the AAP government respected all religions and communities and was committed to supporting projects of public and religious importance. He said the proposed Sanatan Bhawan would provide a platform for organising programmes related to Sanatan traditions after its completion.
Aman Arora said the Punjab government was undertaking restoration and development works at several Sanatan religious sites across the state. Referring to recent announcements, he said the government had approved the construction of a temple dedicated to Luv and Kush and Mata Sita in Amritsar, while beautification work at the Kali Mata Temple in Patiala was already in progress.
The event comes at a time when political parties have begun increasing their public outreach ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The launch of projects linked to religious infrastructure is expected to add a new dimension to the political discourse as parties seek to strengthen their connect with different sections of society in the run-up to the polls.