{
  "id": 16136254,
  "title": "BJP-Akalis backchannel talks on, Amit Shah’s remark fuels alliance buzz",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/bjp-akalis-backchannel-talks-on-amit-shahs-remark-fuels-alliance-buzz",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T01:40:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/bjp-akali-dal-alliance-talks-punjab-assembly-elections-amit-shah-10932928/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Recent conversations between the BJP and the Akali Dal hint at a potential reconciliation between the two former allies. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks about an NDA government coming to power have sparked speculation about a possible reunion. Shah stated that drug trade has grown under the AAP government in Punjab and that an NDA government must be formed to tackle the issue. He also criticized the AAP for shifting its focus to Punjab after losing Delhi elections. Both camps have admitted to ongoing backchannel talks regarding an alliance but have not ruled it out completely. A BJP insider revealed that negotiations are ongoing, but a final decision would be made at the high command level. If an alliance is formed, it would likely be with the SAD led by Sukhbir Singh Badal. The BJP is not interested in playing the role of a smaller partner and will not accept seat-sharing. The SAD is strengthening its organizational structure and mobilizing support, particularly through rallies like Mawan Dhiyan Insaaf Yatra.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "BJP and Akali Dal hold backchannel talks for potential alliance.",
    "Amit Shah's remarks fuel speculation about NDA government formation.",
    "SAD led by Sukhbir Singh Badal is strengthening organizational structure."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Reopening communication channels suggests a strategic shift toward reclaiming Punjab, provided the BJP maintains its dominance over seat-sharing arrangements and refuses to act as a subordinate partner.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}