When elections were held in Punjab in 1992, only 24 percent of the electors turned out to vote.
Nonetheless, the attainment of peace was neither swift nor effortless. The cycle of violence persisted for almost a decade, marked by the reciprocation of militancy and counter-insurgency actions, which often resulted in police excesses and human rights violations. This tumultuous period also brought about the fracturing of the Akali Dal on a political front. As a consequence, the central government found itself obliged to impose President's rule within the state, effectively suspending the regular electoral and political proceedings. Reinstating the political process under the cloud of suspicion and ongoing violence proved to be a challenging endeavor.
When Punjab held elections in 1992, merely 24 percent of eligible voters participated, reflecting the prevailing atmosphere. Ultimately, the security forces managed to eliminate militancy, though the toll on Punjab's people—Sikhs and Hindus alike—was immense. By the mid-1990s, peace was restored to Punjab. In a significant turn, the alliance of Akali Dal (Badal) and the BJP achieved a major victory in 1997, marking the first normal elections in the state during the post-militancy era. The state's focus has since shifted to concerns of economic growth and societal transformation. While religious identities maintain importance among the populace, political dynamics have gradually reverted to a secular trajectory. |
