BJP, SAD hold seat-sharing talks for Punjab polls

Chandigarh: Discussions on a potential seat-sharing agreement between the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections are reportedly in progress, according to sources. The formal alliance announcement is anticipated this month, following the finalization of seats. Union Jal Shakti minister C R Patil, the BJP's Punjab election in-charge, is slated to visit Punjab on November 17 to meet state BJP leaders, as the reunion of the two former allies is gaining traction.

Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi recently, where they discussed state matters, including drug abuse. The SAD parted ways with the BJP in September 2020 after the latter backed away from the controversial farm laws. Lok Sabha MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal served as a Cabinet minister under the Modi government.

BJP leader Harjit Singh Grewal, however, stated that the party's leadership is undecided about an alliance, while common people and some BJP supporters believe an alliance could boost the party's electoral prospects. BJP's core team, made up of workers who have been with the party for over 40-50 years, does not support such a partnership.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah had predicted an NDA government in Punjab during a recent visit to Chandigarh, reigniting the speculation about a possible SAD-BJP alliance. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, when asked about the prospect of a re-alliance, responded cautiously, hinting that a decision will be known in a few days.