Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The possibility of the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) contesting the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections together remains uncertain, as negotiations between the two parties enter a critical phase. Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s reported call to SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal for a meeting in Delhi has raised expectations of a possible breakthrough.
The proposed discussions are expected to address the key differences between the parties, particularly the number of constituencies each would contest and the leadership structure of the alliance. Both sides are keen to establish clarity before beginning full-scale election preparations, as uncertainty over the partnership has reportedly affected their activities at the grassroots level.
The seat-sharing arrangement is emerging as the biggest sticking point. A 70-47 formula had reportedly been considered earlier, but the BJP is seeking a larger role than it had in its previous partnership with the Akali Dal. A 50-50 distribution has also figured in discussions, although no final agreement has been announced.
The situation has become more complicated following the position taken by Akali Dal Punarsurjit. The faction has indicated that it will stay away from the BJP if the party joins hands with the Badal-led SAD. Giani Harpreet Singh’s stance has also reportedly prompted fresh calculations over the possible distribution of seats and the role of different Akali groups.
Badal’s Delhi visit has meanwhile disrupted a scheduled political programme involving Bibi Jagir Kaur. The SAD president was expected to visit her residence to formally facilitate her return to the party, but the programme has been deferred until his return.
BJP-SAD rapprochement follows a series of meetings
Efforts to revive the former alliance gained momentum after discussions at Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s residence. Badal subsequently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Parliament House in Delhi, triggering speculation about a possible reconciliation between the former partners.
Further discussions involving senior leaders from both parties followed, including a meeting between Badal and Union Minister CR Patil, the BJP’s Punjab election in-charge. The parties have reportedly examined several seat-sharing possibilities, taking into account the BJP’s ambitions in urban constituencies and the Akali Dal’s traditional political presence.
There has also been speculation that the BJP could accommodate the revived Akali Dal faction by allocating it 10 to 12 seats from its own share. However, differences within the Akali camp have made the proposal more complicated.
If the two parties reach an agreement, a formal announcement could be followed by a major rally featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Punjab, with Bathinda being discussed as a possible venue.
For now, the alliance remains dependent on the outcome of negotiations. A failure to settle the seat-sharing and leadership questions could leave the BJP and SAD preparing to contest the 2027 Assembly elections separately.
