BATHINDA: A devotional performance in Barnala took a political turn as popular bhajan singer Kanhaiya Mittal invoked themes of national pride and religious identity in a public event where BJP candidate Kewal Singh Dhillon was in attendance.
Mittal’s lyrics included references to Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) and other significant cultural sites, sparking discussion as assembly byelections in four Punjab constituencies loom on Nov 20.
In a viral video that Dhillon shared on Facebook, Mittal recited: “Ayodhya bhi saja di hai, Kashi bhi saja di hai, Kashmir sajaya hai, POK bhi saja denge,” tying spiritual revival to nationalist sentiment.
As the crowd cheered, Dhillon and others joined Mittal in dancing, further cementing the event as a blend of religious fervour and political mobilisation.
Mittal also sang about the rise of the saffron flag in Barnala and Punjab, adding: “All Hindus are behind Lord Ram.” This rally underscores the intensifying contest in Barnala, where Dhillon faces tough competition from Harinder Singh Dhaliwal of the Aam Aadmi Party, Kuldeep Singh Dhillon of the Congress, Gobind Singh Sandhu of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), and AAP rebel Gurdeep Singh Baath.
Mittal, rumored previously to be considering ties with the Congress, remained nonaligned, adding intrigue to his appearance at the BJP-backed event.