BJP and Akali Dal explore patch-up talks as Amit Shah hints at alliance in Punjab

Backchannel Talks

Former allies the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiromani Akali Dal are holding backchannel talks regarding a possible political reunion in Punjab. Speculation grew after Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated at an event in Delhi that people have decided to bring an NDA government to power. Shah blamed the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government for a growing drug trade in Punjab and promised to eliminate it by 2029. Sources in both camps confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, though a final decision rests with the party high command.

Alliance Terms

Leaders from both sides indicate that any new tie-up will look different from past arrangements. A BJP leader stated that the party will not play the role of a younger partner this time. Before parting ways in September 2020 over the now-repealed farm laws, the SAD contested 94 seats and the BJP contested 23 seats in Punjab. Meanwhile, Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon noted that his party is currently preparing to contest all 117 seats in the state. An SAD source mentioned that their party is focusing on strengthening its base through rallies like the Mawan Dhiyan Insaaf Yatra led by Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, while senior leader Daljeet Singh Cheema said party president Sukhbir Singh Badal has been authorised to make alliance decisions.

Context

Both the BJP and the SAD have faced electoral setbacks since ending their long alliance in 2020, performing poorly in the 2022 Assembly elections and subsequent polls. Despite previous talks failing ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections over seat-sharing disputes, recent months have seen warmer gestures, including Sukhbir Singh Badal meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Parliament House in August.