BJP-Akali alliance: Talks on to hammer out seat-sharing arrangement in Punjab

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) are in advanced talks to revive their alliance ahead of the Punjab assembly elections. While a few contentious matters remain, such as the exact seat-sharing formula and accommodating the rebellious faction of the Akali Dal, several party officials are confident that these issues can be resolved in the near future.

Following the 2020 split over farm laws, the SAD lost ground and BJP gained in Punjab, leading to a potential shift in their relationship. Sources indicate that the BJP's share could nearly double from the 23 seats allocated when they allied with the SAD in the 117-member house. However, the final seat-sharing deal is still being negotiated.

BJP is ready to contest on all seats, having garnered over 18% of the votes in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the highest ever for the party. Meanwhile, the SAD's share has contracted to slightly more than 13%. The alliance is seen as the best opportunity for power and strengthening the social fabric of Hindu-Sikh harmony in the region, where a new party, Waris Punjab De, advocating a more extreme agenda, is gaining traction.

Recent comments by Home Minister Amit Shah affirming the NDA's victory in the next Punjab polls, combined with Badal's openness to partnering with parties other than the AAP and Congress, have reignited discussions about their potential collaboration.