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Political activity surrounding a possible BJP-SAD reunion has gathered momentum in Punjab, with both parties understood to be working towards finalising an alliance ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
The proposed understanding has gained attention following reports of backchannel discussions between senior leaders of the two parties. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal is expected to hold discussions with senior BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, as efforts to revive the former alliance gather pace.
The developments come days after Captain Amarinder Singh held a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday. During the meeting, Amarinder briefed the Prime Minister on Punjab’s pressing concerns, particularly the drug menace, gangster activities and the threat of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
Confirming the meeting, Amarinder said he had shared his experience of handling these challenges during his tenure as Chief Minister. He maintained that no political issues were discussed.
The meeting, however, assumes significance against the backdrop of renewed efforts to bring the BJP and SAD together. Amarinder has consistently advocated an alliance between the two parties, maintaining that the BJP needs a strong regional partner to strengthen its political presence in Punjab.
The former Chief Minister has also argued that the BJP needs a better understanding of Punjab’s ground realities, particularly its political, social and security concerns. His latest interaction with Modi has therefore attracted attention amid the ongoing discussions over the proposed alliance.
The seat sharing arrangement is expected to be a crucial component of the negotiations. The BJP is understood to be seeking a larger share of Assembly constituencies than it contested under the previous arrangement, when the SAD was the senior partner. Both parties are expected to assess their organisational strength and electoral prospects in individual constituencies before reaching an agreement.
The BJP and SAD shared power in Punjab for several years and remained allies from 1997 until September 2020, when the Akali Dal walked out of the BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the Centre’s three farm laws. The two parties subsequently contested the 2022 Assembly elections and 2024 Lok Sabha elections separately.
Since the split, the BJP has been attempting to expand its independent political presence in Punjab, while the SAD has been working to rebuild its organisational base. A reunion would mark a significant shift in the state’s political equations ahead of the next Assembly elections.
However, the proposed alliance is not without challenges. Differences over seat sharing, the BJP’s demand for a larger political role and the Akali Dal’s traditional position as the senior partner remain important issues. The BJP has also maintained that it is preparing to contest all 117 Assembly constituencies, while sections within the party have favoured an alliance with regional forces.
Meanwhile, the SAD (Punar Surjit) has ruled out joining hands with the BJP or the Sukhbir Badal led Akali Dal, underlining the divisions within the broader Akali political landscape.
With discussions reportedly progressing, attention is now centred on the next round of meetings between the senior leadership of the two parties. A formal announcement of the proposed alliance is expected soon, although neither party has officially confirmed a final agreement.