Walk through the bustling streets of Amritsar or the quiet lanes of rural Malwa, and you’ll spot them everywhere—staring down from shop walls, auto-rickshaws, gurdwara halls, and even government offices. Three men, long departed from this world, still command an almost mythical presence in Punjab’s collective imagination. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Lion of Punjab; Bhagat Singh, the eternal revolutionary; and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the polarizing symbol of defiance. Their enduring hold isn’t mere nostalgia. It speaks volumes about a state rich in history yet searching for direction in turbulent times.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh built something extraordinary in the early 19th century: a vast, secular Sikh Empire that stretched across much of northern India. Despite personal challenges like losing an eye to smallpox, he unified warring Sikh misls, modernized his army with European expertise, and governed with remarkable inclusivity—appointing Hindus, Muslims, and Europeans to key positions. His rule brought stability, cultural renaissance, and prosperity, restoring the Golden Temple and fostering arts. In today’s Punjab, parties across the spectrum invoke him as the gold standard of visionary, fair leadership. The Shiromani Akali Dal long positioned itself as heir to his Sarkar-e-Khalsa legacy, while the BJP’s recent moves, including unveiling his portrait under new leadership, tap into that same pride in a strong, united Punjab.

This admiration runs deep because Ranjit Singh represents an ideal many feel is missing: a leader who was devout yet tolerant, warrior-like yet pragmatic. In an era of coalition politics and identity tensions, his story offers hope for harmony in a diverse state bordering sensitive regions.

Then comes Bhagat Singh, the young firebrand whose sacrifice at age 23 in 1931 still ignites passion. A fearless freedom fighter who challenged British rule through intellect and action, his image adorns everything from kabaddi arenas to college walls. Punjab’s current AAP government, led by Bhagwant Mann, has leaned heavily on this symbolism—swearing in near his ancestral village and launching initiatives there. For ordinary Punjabis, Bhagat Singh embodies selfless courage and the spirit of inquilab (revolution). He stands for integrity against oppression, a reminder that true change demands bold vision. Yet, even his legacy gets contested, with everyone from student groups to controversial figures claiming his mantle, highlighting how Punjab channels frustrations into calls for systemic overhaul.

The third figure, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, stirs the most debate. Emerging in the late 1970s as a preacher advocating Sikh rights and orthodoxy through amrit prachar, he became central to the Dharam Yudh Morcha amid grievances against the Centre. His death during the 1984 Operation Blue Star transformed him into a martyr for many, symbolizing resistance to perceived injustices from Delhi. While some view him through the lens of the painful militancy years that followed, others see a defender who stood firm. His portraits persist on vehicles and in certain spaces despite official attempts to curb them, reflecting complex emotions around faith, identity, and autonomy. As Punjab moves past that dark decade, Bhindranwale’s image endures as a raw emblem of standing up when the community feels pushed.

What ties these three together? They all represent moments when Punjabis rallied around strong, unyielding figures during times of challenge—whether unification, colonial rule, or regional assertions. Today, with Punjab facing economic pressures, farmer distress, drug issues, youth migration, and political flux ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, these portraits underscore a glaring leadership vacuum. No single contemporary leader fully captures the multifaceted aspirations of a state that is proudly nationalistic yet deeply rooted in its distinct ethos. Parties scramble to borrow these icons’ auras because fresh, unifying voices capable of addressing modern realities—sustainable agriculture, industrial growth, education, and social cohesion—feel scarce.

This reliance on the past isn’t weakness; it’s a symptom of unresolved anxieties. Punjabis value justice, bravery, and self-respect above all. When current politics feels transactional or disconnected, the walls turn to these men for inspiration. The real path forward lies in leaders who can blend these historical strengths with forward-thinking solutions: fostering inclusive growth like Ranjit Singh’s empire, revolutionary zeal for reforms like Bhagat Singh championed, and resolute advocacy for rights without revisiting division.

Punjab’s story is one of resilience. By honoring these legacies thoughtfully—celebrating their positives while learning from history’s complexities—the state can move beyond shadows toward a brighter, self-authored future. The portraits will always be there, but the living leaders who step up to match their spirit will define what comes next.