Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for about 10 minutes in Parliament House on Friday afternoon. This meeting has sparked a new debate in Punjab politics. There is speculation that old friendships may be rekindled after new rivalries. The meeting began around 12 noon, and the atmosphere between the two leaders was cordial. Sukhbir Badal’s office did not disclose the agenda of the meeting, but speculation is rife about a political alliance.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) camp maintains that the meeting was not about alliance matters but about Punjab issues. It claims that the law and order situation in the state is poor and that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has indulged in corruption in the name of welfare schemes. This meeting follows Sukhbir Badal’s meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini a few days ago.
Also read: ‘No, no, I love you…’, AK’s taunt on Sukhbir Badal’s meeting with PM Modi
How is Nayab Saini the narrator?
Nayab Saini has been more active in Punjab politics recently. He is considered a prominent face of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is said to be the mastermind behind this meeting. Many Shiromani Akali Dal leaders were unaware of this meeting. Senior Akali leader Daljit Singh Cheema said that when Sukhbir Badal was meeting the Prime Minister, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal immediately took a jibe. This clearly shows how insecure the AAP and Congress are about this meeting. Why can’t a party president meet the Prime Minister on state issues?
Will both the parties contest the elections together?
The meeting has renewed speculation about the possibility of a reunion between the Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Both parties have publicly stated that they will contest the elections independently. Their alliance broke down in September 2020 when the Akalis decided to leave the BJP-led NDA in protest of three agricultural laws, which were later repealed.
Is it difficult to get power without alliance?
Many state BJP leaders favor rekindling the old alliance. They believe that combining the Akali Dal’s Panthic and rural voters and the BJP’s urban support can form a strong front against the AAP government. But the equation will not remain the same.
Previously, the Akali Dal was the larger party, and the Bharatiya Janata Party a smaller ally. Now, the BJP will play a major role. BJP National President Nitin Naveen has stated that the party is preparing to contest 117 seats alone, but the future is uncertain. He is neither in favor of nor against alliances.
Also read: Sukhbir Badal questioned in Behbal Kalan firing case; where has the case been stuck for 11 years?
Why are Congress and AAP angry?
The meeting, both arch-rivals Congress and AAP, has not gone down well with this. Arvind Kejriwal has questioned whether the “Fund-Chor Party” and the “Disrespectful Party” are about to form an alliance.
Arvind Kejriwal, AAP Convenor:-
If I say no, I fall in love with you, then is there an alliance between the fund-stealing party and the disrespectful party?
Congress opposition leader Pratap Singh Bajwa said, “The two are going to come together again. The BJP tried alone, criticized the Akalis, and now the two big zeros will be together. It won’t make much difference.”
First bitterness, then a hint of getting closer?
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab in July, he accused the Akali Dal of vested interests. Sukhbir Badal responded that Modi was referring not to his party, but to the breakaway Akali factions. The Akali Dal wants to maintain open communication with the BJP leadership. Both parties criticize each other, but the criticism is kept in check. This small meeting is sparking new discussions about the political dynamics in Punjab ahead of the 2027 elections. Whether the old alliance will be re-formed or both will contest independently is unclear.
Also read: Shots were fired in 2015, why is Sukhbir Badal now implicated in the Behbal Kalan firing incident?
How did Sukhbir Badal, who was upset with the PM, agree to the meeting?
Nayab Saini is the mastermind behind the meeting between PM Modi and Sukhbir Badal. Before meeting the PM, Sukhbir Badal and Nayab Singh Saini met for two hours. Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Daljit Singh Cheema were also present in this meeting. Issues like alliance before the 2027 assembly elections, delimitation in the Lok Sabha and support for the Women’s Reservation Bill, as well as the release of imprisoned Sikhs who have completed their sentence were discussed. Nayab Saini had contacted the Prime Minister’s Office. After getting the green signal from the PMO, Sukhbir Badal received a call at around 11 pm on Thursday night. He reached Delhi on Friday morning and spoke with PM Modi for 40-45 minutes in the Parliament House.
Why are Akali-BJP important for each other?
The Akali Dal recently conducted a survey. The Akalis cannot come to power on their own without the support of the BJP. Both the Congress and AAP are in a very strong position in Punjab. The BJP remained marginalized even during the powerful Modi wave and remains so today. The survey conducted by the Akali Dal revealed that a return to power is possible with an alliance with the BJP, while victory alone is difficult. After the meeting, neither the BJP nor the Akalis are speaking openly. Daljit Cheema said that he met with Nayab Saini, but cannot disclose the details. The party’s top leadership has ordered that no statements be made about the alliance.