There was a stir in the politics of Punjab yesterday when Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Badal and Bharatiya Janata Party working president Ashwani Sharma were seen together in the anti-drug march of Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. Congress and Aam Aadmi Party immediately raised questions on this yatra by sharing pictures of this yatra. The Congress President even termed this journey as Samjhauta Express. After these pictures surfaced, speculations about Akali Dal and BJP coming together have once again intensified.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria was taking out an anti-drug march. Sukhbir Badal and Ashwani Sharma were seen with him in this march. Although this is just an anti-drug march, the presence of Sukhbir Badal and Ashwani Sharma with Gulabchand Kataria is being considered as an indication towards the changing politics in Punjab. Once again the market of speculation has become heated regarding the alliance of Akali Dal and BJP.
Also read: After Bihar-Maharashtra, will Owaisi be able to do wonders in UP? What do the statistics say?
Akali Dal wants alliance
Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party lived with each other for a long time. In 2020, both were separated from each other due to agricultural laws. After the protests, the farmer laws were withdrawn but BJP and Akali did not come together again. However, Akali Dal wants an alliance with BJP. Akali Dal is trying its best to come to power in Punjab but without its old ally, the path of Akali Dal is not easy. Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has put some conditions before BJP regarding the alliance. Akali Dal says that the alliance will happen only when BJP accepts the conditions of Akali Dal.
- There should be no interference in the religious places of Sikhs. Do not try to weaken SGPC and there should not be separate elections for Haryana SGPC.
- There should be discussion on water issues of Punjab. Outsiders should not be given place in BBMB. Representatives of Haryana and Rajasthan should not be given place in BBMB.
- The captive Sikhs should be released. It is alleged that the Central Government is targeting Sikhs.
- The Center should not interfere in other institutions including Punjab University.
- Talks should be started on the issues of MSP and farmers.
BJP divided into two parts
Bharatiya Janata Party leaders are not seen working on any clear policy in Punjab. On one hand some leaders are talking about alliance with Akali Dal and on the other hand some leaders are opposing this alliance. Former Chief Minister of Punjab and now BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh has even said that if BJP does not form an alliance with Akali Dal, it cannot come to power in Punjab even in 2031. Punjab BJP President also talked about alliance with Akali Dal but till now the central leadership has not taken any decision on this.
There are some leaders of Punjab BJP who do not want to form an alliance with Akali Dal. Harsimrat Kaur also responded to such leaders and said that the shops of those who mislead the BJP central leadership will be closed due to the Akali-BJP alliance. This is the reason why they are not allowing the alliance to happen.
Sukhbir-Ashwani Sharma seen together
Gulab Chand Kataria is considered a seasoned player of politics. Even though he is the Governor of Punjab, his political stature cannot be underestimated. Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma till now had been opposing the alliance with Akali Dal but now he himself is seen with Sukhbir Badal. In such a situation, discussion has started in political circles whether Ashwani Sharma is also going to advocate an alliance with Akali Dal. If this happens then the path of BJP-Akali alliance will become easier in the coming days.
Also read: BJP is trying to establish its foothold in Punjab on the pretext of Haryana model, will the public give a chance?
Even though the decision regarding the alliance may take some time, the coming together of both the leaders has made it clear that there is no bitterness between the two parties. BJP is currently assessing its situation and will take any step only then.
Who is lobbying?
Leaders of both the parties have been making statements about the alliance but no one has yet advocated the alliance with the senior leadership of their party. In this padyatra, along with Sukhbir Badal and Ashwani Sharma, a third person was also seen with Gulab Chand Kataria. This person is being considered as the architect of this alliance. Dera Beas head Gurinder Singh Dhillon was also present in this yatra. His presence has further fueled speculation about an alliance. Gurinder Dhillon is considered close to both BJP and Akali Dal. There is now a lot of discussion in the political circles of Punjab about whether Dera Beas Mukhi has any role in this alliance.
Comments are closed.