'Ready for Alliance With Anyone Except Congress & AAP': Sukhbir’s Big Announcement Ahead of Polls

Chandigarh: Before the assembly elections to be held in Punjab next year, a statement by Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal has again fuelled the discussions of alliance. Badal has said that his party is ready to work together with like-minded parties, but there will be no alliance with Congress and Aam Aadmi Party. After his stance, questions have started being raised about the possible return of Akali Dal to BJP. However, both the parties have not yet made any formal announcement of contesting the elections together.

For whom did Sukhbir Badal keep the path of alliance open?

Sukhbir Badal described the interests of Punjab as the priority of his party. He says that whether Akali Dal is in power or in opposition, it will continue to raise the issues of the state. He expressed the possibility of coming together with like-minded parties but kept Congress and Aam Aadmi Party out of it.

Badal's statement did not directly name the BJP as an alliance partner. Nevertheless, by keeping Congress and AAP out and leaving the door open for other parties, discussions have started on a possible BJP-Akali Dal alliance.

What issue was raised in the meeting with the Governor?

Akali Dal delegation led by Sukhbir Badal met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. The delegation raised the demand for the removal of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann from the post. After the meeting, Badal said that Akali Dal is a regional party and the interests of the people of Punjab are most important for it.

This meeting has taken place at a time when political parties in the state are busy making their strategy keeping in mind the 2027 elections. Badal's statement has increased the discussion about the party's possible election allies.

Why did Amit Shah's statement increase speculation?

Amit Shah had recently claimed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government will be formed in Punjab after the 2027 assembly elections. His statement is being linked to the possible coordination between BJP and Akali Dal.

However, Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon has said that the party is preparing to contest elections on all 117 assembly seats. After this stance of BJP, the question remains whether the party will contest the elections alone or will share seats with an ally.

What are the old challenges between BJP-Akali Dal?

BJP and Akali Dal have been allies for a long time. The alliance between the two broke in September 2020 after differences over agricultural laws. At that time Akali Dal had decided to separate from NDA.

In the old alliance, Akali Dal contested on 94 seats and BJP on 23 seats. If both the parties come together again, then talks regarding seat sharing, election strategy and leadership will be important. In the changed political situation, it is not yet clear whether there will be agreement on the old formula or a new agreement.

What will happen next before the 2027 elections?

In Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, BJP and Akali Dal are busy in their election preparations. Sukhbir Badal has not completely closed down the possibility of an alliance but has also not confirmed the agreement with the BJP.

Now the focus will be on the next statements and possible talks of both the parties. The alliance will become clear only when both the parties take a formal decision on the seats, election agenda and conditions of fighting together.