“why The Bjp’s Hindu Politics Changes In Punjab, Asks Pawan Gupta”

Sep20,2026 | Gautam Jalandhari | Ludhiana

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Special Interview with Pawan Gupta, National President of Shiv Sena Hindustan

Q: How do you see the role of Shiv Sena Hindustan in Punjab politics? Is the party limited to Hindu vote-bank politics?

A: Shiv Sena Hindustan was founded with a clear agenda of working on the basis of nationalism rather than regionalism. Our objective is not limited to Hindu issues. We also want to raise issues concerning Punjab and Punjabis as a whole. We have contested Assembly, Lok Sabha and local-body elections on our own political agenda.

Q: Your party had a political alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) in the previous Assembly elections. What was the basis of that alliance?

A: At that time, we entered into a political alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal). We believed that the Hindu community should also have meaningful political representation in Punjab. However, Shiv Sena Hindustan is not a carbon copy of the Akali Dal. Both parties have their own issues and political agendas.

Q: Can Shiv Sena Hindustan be seen as an alternative to the BJP?

A: If Shiv Sena Hindustan is being viewed as an alternative political organisation to the BJP, we consider that significant. We have contested elections on our own political agenda and have also achieved some success. Our effort is to present our views and issues before the people.

Q: How do you maintain differences between the issues of the Akali Dal and Shiv Sena Hindustan while being in an alliance?

A: Our issues are different from those of the Akali Dal. An alliance does not mean that both parties have identical ideologies or identical positions on every issue. Each political party has the right to raise its own issues.

Q: The release of Sikh prisoners has also remained an important political issue in Punjab. What is your position on it?

A: At the time our alliance was formed, this was not the basis of our alliance. Every political party has the freedom to raise its own issues. Shiv Sena Hindustan has its own issues, while the Akali Dal has its own.

Q: How do you view political protests and confrontations in Punjab?

A: Political disagreement and protest are part of democracy. Every political party should have the freedom to present its ideology and views before the public. However, there is no place for violence in a democratic system. Protests should remain peaceful and within the framework of law.

Q: Does the same principle apply to alleged misuse of power by governments?

A: Yes. Whether it is the Central Government or a State Government, misuse of power is not good for democracy. Governments may change, but democratic institutions and the rule of law must be respected.

Q: How do you assess the performance of the present Punjab Government?

A: The present government has taken some steps that have also received attention from the Hindu community. For example, the renovation and beautification of the Shri Kali Mata Temple in Patiala has been undertaken. Our party has been raising issues related to religious places and the Hindu community for a long time.

Q: Do you believe the AAP government has given greater attention to issues concerning the Hindu community?

A: According to our assessment, the government has taken some steps that have given the Hindu community the impression that their religious concerns are also being addressed. At the same time, the government has also undertaken projects and programmes associated with other religious communities.

Q: What role does the Hindu community have in Punjab politics, according to your party?

A: We believe the Hindu community is an important section of Punjab and that its social, economic and religious issues should also have a place in political discourse. We have been raising these issues for many years.

Q: What is your demand regarding Hindus who were killed during the period of terrorism in Punjab?

A: Our demand is that the families of those killed during the period of terrorism should receive appropriate relief, assistance and justice. We have been raising this issue for a long time.

Q: Is your party's political agenda limited to religious issues?

A: No. Issues concerning the general public are also important to us. Whether it is the water issue, farmers' concerns, labourers' problems or issues concerning the business community, we raise these matters as well.

Q: What has been your party's major demand concerning the business community?

A: Shiv Sena Hindustan has been demanding for a long time that a separate board should be created to protect the interests of the business community. Our view is that the government's responsibility should not be limited to collecting taxes from traders. Their problems and interests should also be addressed.

Q: Do you believe the Punjab Government has taken any step in this direction?

A: According to our understanding, the Aam Aadmi Party government has created a board related to the business community. We view this in the context of a demand that our party had been raising for a long time.

Q: What are the major issues in Shiv Sena Hindustan's 11-point agenda?

A: Our 11-point agenda includes several issues concerning ordinary people. These include economic criteria in reservation, protection of the interests of traders, issues concerning farmers and labourers, and demands relating to religious institutions.

Q: What is your position on reservation based on economic criteria?

A: We believe economic conditions should also be given importance in the system of reservation and opportunities. Economically weaker sections should have opportunities to progress.

Q: What is your party's demand regarding the management of Hindu temples?

A: We demand a separate law for the management of Hindu temples and protection of their religious interests. We have called for an “All India Hindu Temple Act” to establish an organised system for the management of Hindu religious institutions.

Q: Is your party's agenda limited to the Hindu community?

A: No. While we raise issues concerning the Hindu community, issues concerning water, farmers, labourers, traders and the general public are also part of our political agenda. We believe that issues concerning all sections of Punjab should be discussed democratically.

Q: What will be your party's strategy for the upcoming elections?

A: Whenever elections take place, we will present our political and social issues before the people. We will go to the public with our 11-point agenda, political position and ideology.

Q: Finally, what is your message to the people of Punjab?

A: The people are the most important part of a democracy. Political parties should present their respective issues and views before the public, while people have the right to make their own decision. Our effort will be to continue raising issues concerning Punjab and its people.