BJP-Akali alliance buzz returns ahead of Punjab polls, but what stands in the way

Recent talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal have sparked speculation about a potential alliance ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The 10-minute meeting, which occurred openly in Parliament, marked a shift from previous private discussions. While both parties acknowledge the meeting, neither confirms whether it will lead to a formal alliance.

The SAD called for immediate passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill and a "fair and equitable" delimitation exercise, actions praised by the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister but criticized by the AAP and Congress. BJP sources acknowledge that any future alliance would differ from their previous arrangement, which saw the BJP contesting only 23 of the 117 Assembly seats in 2024, compared to the SAD's 94.

Both parties are preparing for all 117 seats. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini ruled out the possibility of a reformed alliance, stating that the BJP's Punjab alliance is with its people. The SAD dismisses the alliance speculation, with some leaders attributing the demand for one to grassroots support. The poll math suggests that a rapprochement could be beneficial, with the BJP and SAD together securing more votes in 2019 than either party did in 2024. However, turning those votes into seats remains a challenge for both parties.