Punjab has been a bit of an enigma in Indian politics. It went against the Modi wave in 2014 as well as the Congress surge in 2009. Politics here is localised. And given that a handful of families - Badals, Kairons, Majithias, Brars and the Patiala royal family - wield disproportionate clout, there is a deep clamour for change in the state.

But a common trend in Punjab’s politics, is the people’s distrust of authoritarian leaders. This is as true today as it was centuries ago. Be it Alexander or Aurangzeb, Indira Gandhi or Modi, Punjab has consistently resisted authoritarian leaders.

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