Janata Dal-United makes foray into Punjab politics, to contest Assembly polls

Chandigarh, July 4, 2026
The Janata Dal (United), led by Bihar’s former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, on Saturday announced its political expansion into Punjab and unveiled its roadmap for the forthcoming Assembly elections.

The party’s state in-charge, Sanjay Kumar, told the media here that the JD(U) had decided to enter Punjab with a vision of providing a credible, development-oriented and people-centric political alternative.

He said Punjab deserved clean, transparent and accountable governance focused on the aspirations of the youth, farmers, entrepreneurs and the common man.

The JD(U) highlighted its growing footprint across several states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Assam and Karnataka, and expressed confidence that its governance-oriented approach would resonate with the people of Punjab.

Kumar made it clear that the party had officially declared its intention to contest the Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections. It also announced the formation of its Punjab organisational structure and outlined plans to strengthen its presence across the state through a grassroots campaign.

A major announcement on the occasion was the constitution of the Punjab Pradesh Core Committee, which will spearhead the party’s expansion in the state.

Malvinder Singh was appointed President, while Gurpal Singh Hundal was named Vice-President. I.S. Ahluwalia was appointed Secretary General, Sanjiv Jha as General Secretary (Organisation), and Kanwar Singh Dhindsa was inducted as a key member of the core leadership.

Kumar emphasised that the party’s agenda would focus on employment generation, quality education, agricultural reforms, better healthcare, transparent administration, women’s empowerment and social welfare.

He said the party aimed to build politics based on performance, accountability and inclusive development rather than divisive narratives.

The party also announced the launch of a statewide membership drive to connect with people across villages, towns and cities of Punjab.

The campaign would encourage the participation of youth, women, professionals, farmers and members of civil society who wished to contribute towards building a stronger and more progressive Punjab.(Agency)