Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Political discussions over a possible reunion between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab have reportedly gained momentum, with an announcement expected after Diwali. According to sources within the BJP, negotiations over seat-sharing are underway, and the saffron party is seeking a significantly larger share of constituencies than it contested during its previous alliance with the Akalis.
Sources suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit Bathinda after the two parties finalise their arrangement and formally announce the alliance at a public rally. However, neither the announcement nor the proposed visit has been officially confirmed.
The possibility of the partnership has attracted attention following Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks in Delhi and Chandigarh about the BJP’s aim of forming an NDA government in Punjab after the 2027 Assembly elections.
BJP reportedly seeks 45-50 seats
Seat distribution is expected to be a major part of the negotiations. According to the sources, the BJP is seeking around 45 to 50 seats, while the Akali Dal could contest the remaining 67 to 72 constituencies.
The proposed arrangement would mark a substantial shift from the previous SAD-BJP alliance, which remained in place from 1997 to 2017. Under that arrangement, the BJP generally contested 23 of Punjab’s 117 Assembly seats, while the Akali Dal fielded candidates in the remaining 94.
The BJP’s reported demand for a larger share reflects the changing political calculations ahead of the next Assembly election.
No immediate understanding with other Akali factions
Speculation had also emerged about a possible BJP understanding with breakaway Akali groups, particularly the Akali Dal Punarsurjit faction. However, sources indicate that such an arrangement is unlikely at present.
One of the reasons cited is that the faction has not yet been registered as a recognised political party. This could create complications over the election symbol under which its leaders would contest.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s possible return to Union Cabinet
Another possibility being discussed in political circles is Akali Dal representation in the Union government if the alliance materialises. BJP sources have indicated that Bathinda MP and SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal could be considered for a ministerial position.
Harsimrat had previously served as a Union Minister. Punjab currently has no minister from the state in the Union Cabinet following the exit of Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, making the possibility of renewed representation politically significant.
Sukhbir Badal keeps alliance options open
SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has not completely ruled out the possibility of joining hands with the BJP. On two occasions in Chandigarh, he indicated that the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress were his party’s principal political opponents, while leaving room for an understanding with other parties whose ideology aligns with the Akali Dal.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal has also made remarks at a rally that have been interpreted as leaving the possibility of an alliance open.
With seat-sharing discussions reportedly continuing, the coming weeks could prove important in determining whether the two former allies reunite ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. For now, the proposed Bathinda announcement and the reported seat-sharing formula remain based on sources rather than an official declaration.
