While there is nothing wrong with political parties trying to understand the new generation, the Akali Dal's problem is deeper than its ability to match language of the youth.

While there is nothing wrong with political parties trying to understand the new generation, the Akali Dal's problem is deeper than its ability to match language of the youth.

While there is nothing wrong with political parties trying to understand the new generation, the Akali Dal's problem is deeper than its ability to match language of the youth.

The Akali Dal is trying to find its “vibe” with Punjab's youth. In the run-up to the 2022 polls, it had tried to do something more tangible: interest-free loans of up to ₹10 lakh for students, including college fees and IELTS coaching. The promise recognised a reality in Punjab, where going abroad had become a defining aspiration for many young people.

Four years later, the party has changed its pitch. 'Vibe Punjab Di' is its attempt to speak to Gen Z, with Sukhbir Singh Badal presenting himself as a more relaxed, accessible leader. He spoke about being a vegetarian who likes pizza, pasta, and Diet Coke, projecting the image of a “cool dad”.

There is nothing wrong with political parties trying to understand the new generation, that had made its presence felt at Jantar Mantar with their Instagram reels and other unique forms of protest.

However, the Akali Dal's problem is deeper than its ability to match the language of the youth. When it promised IELTS coaching and grants to study abroad, it almost forgot that its bid to catch a trend was hitting it the hardest. With increased migration, there were hardly many Sikh youth left behind who wanted to join the party and take the ideological stance foward.

The border state faces multiple challenges, from drug abuse and a rise in gang-related activities to unemployment. The Periodic Labour Force Survey for April-June 2026 put youth unemployment in Punjab at 22.3 per cent, against 15.9 per cent nationally and 11.8 per cent in neighbouring Haryana. Punjab's rate had risen from 20.2 per cent in January-March.

This is the constituency that not just the Akali Dal, but also other parties, are trying to woo.

A similar youth political outreach has been tried before. Capt Amarinder Singh's 'Coffee with Captain' campaign ahead of the 2017 election was designed to make him more accessible to voters. Designed by election strategist Prashant Kishor, the campaign played a part in the Congress returning to power by ousting the Akalis.

Now, as the question of favourites ahead of the 2027 polls remains open, all parties are trying different means to stay relevant. The BJP has held nasha-mukt rallies, while the AAP has used religious and cultural programmes to maintain its presence. The Congress has changed its state president and AICC in-charge to give a message of unity.

However, the Akali Dal has the hardest task. It needs to rebuild amongst young voters in order to keep its traditional rural and Sikh support base. That base is itself under pressure from groups seeking to occupy the more assertive Panthic space.

Like any other state, youth voices will matter as they show restlessness. For example, a mere rumour led to violence in a private university in the state. Punjab's young people do not only need politicians who can speak in their language, but also those who can provide innovative solutions to their issues and win their trust.

For the Badals, the political arithmetic is equally difficult. Sukhbir Badal's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has revived speculation about an Akali-BJP alliance. The BJP, however, has repeatedly said it will contest the 2027 election on its own. The Akali Dal has also denied that an alliance is under discussion.

The irony is that the Akali Dal may need the BJP to regain electoral ground, while the BJP has little reason to return to the old arrangement on the old terms. The BJP's position in Punjab is different from what it was when the two parties were allies. For the Akali Dal, giving up too much political space could weaken precisely the claim it needs to protect: that it remains Punjab's principal Sikh regional voice.

That is the party's real bind. It has to win back the young without alienating the old, rebuild its organisation without becoming dependent on the BJP, and retain its Sikh identity without allowing harder Panthic voices to occupy the space it once dominated.

'Vibe Punjab Di' may open the door. The question is whether the Akali Dal still has something substantial to say once the conversation begins.

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