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PM Narendra Modi may visit Punjab to announce a BJP-SAD alliance if negotiations are finalised. (img: X)
New Delhi: Political developments in Punjab are drawing attention ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with the possibility of a renewed alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) gaining traction. Back-to-back statements by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the formation of an NDA government in Punjab have added momentum to speculation surrounding a possible reunion of the former allies.
According to party sources, discussions between the BJP and SAD over a seat-sharing arrangement are underway and could move towards a formal understanding in the coming days. The alliance announcement is likely to take place after Diwali, sources indicated. Reports also suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may personally visit Punjab to announce the proposed alliance once the negotiations are concluded. However, there has been no official confirmation from either party regarding the timing or finalisation of a deal.
Seat-sharing has emerged as a key component of the ongoing discussions. Sources indicate that the BJP could be allocated between 45 and 50 of Punjab's 117 Assembly constituencies under the proposed arrangement. Such a formula would represent a significant change from the earlier seat-sharing arrangement, under which the BJP contested a smaller number of seats as the SAD's alliance partner.
However, the BJP's official position in Punjab remains that it is preparing to contest all 117 Assembly seats independently. The reported seat-sharing figure should therefore be viewed as part of ongoing discussions and not as a final agreement.
Amit Shah's repeated references to an NDA government in Punjab have been interpreted as a possible indication of progress in the BJP's engagement with the Akali Dal. His remarks have intensified political speculation about whether the two parties are preparing to restore their pre-2020 alliance.
The BJP and SAD were long-standing constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Their political partnership, however, came to an end in September 2020, when the Akali Dal withdrew from the alliance over the Centre's three farm laws amid widespread farmers' protests.
The proposed rapprochement would mark a significant political development, bringing two former allies back into discussions ahead of a crucial Assembly election. Their renewed engagement could have implications for the political contest in Punjab, where the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress are also key players.
The possibility of Amit Shah's remarks referring to the Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) faction has also figured in political discussions. However, sources familiar with the developments consider a direct arrangement with the breakaway faction less likely.
The faction's organisational and electoral status presents additional complications, as it does not have a separate recognised election symbol. Its leaders would consequently need to contest elections using the symbol of another political party unless its status or arrangement changes.
The question of how different Akali factions could fit into any broader alliance framework remains a separate issue in the evolving political discussions.
The possibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Punjab to announce the alliance has added another element to the political buzz. However, the visit remains contingent on the conclusion of negotiations, and no official schedule or announcement has been issued.
For now, seat-sharing, the role of Akali factions and the formal political understanding between the two parties remain central to the discussions. Whether the BJP and SAD ultimately revive their alliance will become clearer once their respective leaderships make an official announcement.
With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching, any formal understanding between the former partners could reshape the state's electoral calculations. Until then, the reported negotiations remain a developing political story rather than a confirmed alliance.
