The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has begun to show a willingness to rekindle its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Punjab prepares for its assembly elections next year. SAD general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia remarked that such an alliance is crucial for the welfare of Punjab, echoing sentiments expressed by his sister, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, at a recent rally in Sangrur. Their statements have amplified discussions surrounding the potential collaboration between the two parties.

Majithia noted that the alliance, which disbanded primarily due to disputes over contentious farm laws, is now timely and necessary for the state’s stability. He argued that the residents of Punjab require a cooperative government structure to ensure law and order along with communal harmony. His comments reflect a desire among some SAD leaders to revisit the past success of the SAD-BJP partnership.

During the rally, Badal also hinted at renewed discussions, suggesting that the Akali Dal must adapt to the changing political landscape. He asserted that given the shift in circumstances, a collaborative approach would benefit both the party and the public at large.

BJP Seeks Prominent Role in Potential Alliance

While the Akali Dal appears open to rekindling ties, the BJP has explicitly stated that it expects a significant role should an alliance occur. Punjab BJP vice-president Fateh Jang Bajwa indicated that the party plans to contest all 117 assembly seats in the state independently unless a “bigger brother” role is accorded to them. This suggests that the BJP is not interested in a repeat of its previous subordinate position in the alliance.

Bajwa highlighted that the BJP has developed a robust grassroots presence over the past few years, arguing that it can stand on its own. He remarked that should an alliance be established, it would require clarity regarding the allocation of seats and roles, specifically asserting that the BJP should be positioned to take on a leadership role.

The BJP’s enhanced organisational strength has prompted leaders to feel confident about their electoral prospects in Punjab. Bajwa’s insistence on a prominent role indicates the party’s strategic aspirations as they navigate the electoral landscape of Punjab.

Increased Speculation Following Key Meetings

Speculation surrounding a potential alliance has intensified following a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. This meeting marked the first direct engagement between the two leaders in several years, further fuelling rumours of reconciliation.

The historical context of the SAD-BJP relationship reveals that the two parties were long-time allies before their partnership fractured over agricultural legislation. The fallout, notably influenced by Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s resignation from the Union Cabinet, has had significant electoral repercussions for both parties. Their split resulted in limited successes during the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, where the Aam Aadmi Party dominated.

Despite the hardships faced, the BJP demonstrated increased electoral support during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, improving its vote share compared to the SAD. This shift indicates changing dynamics that could make a prospective alliance more appealing to both parties as they seek to regain influence in Punjab’s political arena.

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