Punjab Stands at Political Crossroads Widespread anger creates space for third alternative Eight months ahead of the assembly polls, the border state of Punjab stands at a political crossroads. Many surprising developments on the political chessboard of the state can be expected in the days to come. All that remains certain is the widespread anger against the political parties that have been ruling the state for decades. Space for a third alternative to the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal still exists. But is any political force in a position to fill this void? Interestingly, the issues that were there before the high voltage polls in 2017 remain firmly entrenched. The highly emotive issue of the sacrilege of holy books and the police killing of peaceful protestors seeking justice at Behbal Kalan for desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib at Bargari, along with the police firing at Kotkapura, stand where they were, with the cases yet to reach their logical conclusion.