The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified preparations for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections. PM Modi himself addressed a rally in Jalandhar on July 17th. At this rally, he targeted various political parties. Until now, BJP leaders had avoided targeting the Shiromani Akali Dal, but this time PM Modi did not spare the Akali Dal. Taking aim at the Akali Dal, PM Modi even called the party selfish. This sparked speculation about a possible alliance between the two parties in the state.
The Akali Dal and the BJP were in alliance for a long time. The Akali Dal was the BJP’s oldest ally, and the two parties were said to have a close relationship. However, this relationship broke down in 2020 due to the farmer laws, and the two parties parted ways. Since then, they have been contesting elections separately, and this is hurting both parties.
What did PM Modi say?
In his speech, PM Modi attacked the Congress party, saying that a power game is going on within the party, with selfish leaders eyeing power. Meanwhile, the PM also targeted the Shiromani Akali Dal, saying, “The Akali Dal is in a similar situation; they too are preoccupied with their own interests. They too don’t care about the people of Punjab. Only the BJP can bring real change to Punjab.”
Akali Dal wants alliance
The Shiromani Akali Dal wants to form an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, but this time the BJP doesn’t seem ready for it. At least that’s what public statements suggest. However, behind-the-scenes politics involves many games, and it’s reported that negotiations are ongoing between the two parties. The Akali Dal wants an alliance with the BJP, but the BJP, which broke up after the farmer laws, will now seek to restart the alliance on its own terms, a move the Akali Dal doesn’t approve of. Akali Dal leaders don’t attack the BJP. Regarding the Prime Minister’s statement, Sukhbir Badal said that the Prime Minister didn’t mention the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) but was referring to another Akali Dal (Puransurjit). His statement clearly indicates that he still harbors hopes for an alliance.
There are two opinions in the BJP
There are divided opinions within the Bharatiya Janata Party regarding an alliance with the Akali Dal. On one side are leaders who argue that the party is weak and cannot contest elections without an alliance. Therefore, the party should form an alliance to be in a position to form a government in Punjab. Meanwhile, a section of BJP leaders advocates that the party should contest the elections alone. Regarding this, the high command has made it clear that the BJP will contest the elections alone, and those leaders who were arguing for an alliance have also been persuaded. The party is vowing to contest all 117 seats.
Why does BJP not want alliance?
There are several reasons why the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not want an alliance with the Akali Dal. The first reason is that the BJP wants to expand in Punjab, but the Akali Dal wants to remain the big brother. The BJP receives very few seats to contest in an alliance. Consequently, the party will never be able to expand in Punjab. The Akali Dal has limited the party to a few urban Hindu-majority seats. Therefore, the BJP now wants to expand by going it alone, without the Akali Dal.
The second major reason for the lack of an alliance is the internal strife within the Akali Dal. Following the crushing defeat in the 2017 elections, the Akali Dal has steadily weakened. Sukhbir Badal remains president, but several prominent leaders have left the party in protest. Additionally, several leaders have formed separate parties and joined other parties. Currently, the Akali Dal is attempting to regain its former vote bank. The crushing defeat in the 2022 elections reflects the party’s current situation. BJP leaders believe the Akali Dal is weak and even if they contest the elections together, it will not be in a position to form a government. Consequently, the party is considering contesting all seats on its own.