Lok Sabha Polls: BJP, Akali Dal Alliance Talks Resurface in Punjab

Chandigarh: The political landscape in Punjab is abuzz with talks of a potential alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Confirming the discussions, BJP spokesperson SS Channy mentioned ongoing talks, with the final decision resting with the BJP high-command after SAD’s core committee meeting on March 22.

Senior SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema confirmed the meeting’s agenda, hinting at alliance discussions. Initially hesitant, SAD is now considering realignment, although unresolved issues like MSP and Sikh prisoners remain concerns.

Punjab’s Leader of the Opposition, Pratap Singh Bajwa, expressed reservations, fearing the alliance could compromise SAD’s stance on farmers’ issues and religion.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Congress won eight out of 13 seats, with BJP and SAD securing two each, and AAP one.

SAD had severed ties with BJP in 2020 over farm laws but maintained support on certain issues.