Overview

• Nayab Singh Saini arrived at the Shaheed Udham Singh Memorial in Sunam on July 31 wearing a saffron turban and met the martyr’s descendants to pay homage
• His early visit took place hours before Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal held their own tribute later that day
• The surprise homage underscores the BJP’s push to position Saini as a national leader of the OBC community and expand its footprint in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls
• Punjab has traditionally observed July 31 as a restricted holiday, prompting renewed demands from the Kamboj community and government employee associations for a full gazetted holiday
• During his visit, Saini highlighted the “Haryana model” of governance at a public gathering and met local BJP organizers to showcase his administration’s achievements