SAD leadership is learnt to be keen on joining hands with BJP, more so as the regional party has been on a decline since AAP came to office in 2022 NEW DELHI: Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, fuelling buzz about the revival of the alliance between their parties in the sharply fragmented political space of Punjab as the state gears up for assembly elections next year.While the BJP brass has publicly maintained it will go solo, a prospect that has acquired seriousness as the party has expanded on the back of regional satraps joining it from different parties, a section of its state leadership has batted for renewing ties with the estranged ally due to its perceived political and social dividends.That PM Modi met Sukhbir suggests a rethink. SAD leadership is learnt to be keen on joining hands with BJP, more so as the regional party has been on a decline since AAP came to office in 2022. It has shrunk to three MLAs and an MP.What has likely raised the possibility of their alliance is the growing realisation that a division of votes among four parties, factionalism-hit Congress being the other party in reckoning, may help AAP despite the perceived anti-incumbency against the Bhagwant Mann-led government. Badal is believed to have raised the issue of “crumbling” law and order and “rampant” corruption in Punjab under the AAP government in his meeting with PM Modi.Besides, the entry of jailed MP Amritpal Singh-led Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), which appeals to a radical section with pro-Khalistan impulses, has given Punjab politics another dimension in the run up to the polls and might have prompted the BJP to look afresh at its future course of action in the state. Even though the politics of their alliance makes much sense, what has been a sticking point is the likely dynamics of such a tie-up, people aware of the matter said.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines SAD under Sukhbir’s father and ex-Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal was the unquestioned big brother in the alliance, but the BJP wants a reset, citing growth in its vote share and decline in its former ally’s since they parted ways. In the 2024 LS polls, the BJP had received over 18% of the vote and the SAD less than 15%.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination ClaimsNeha Bora Inked During Jharkhand Student Protest: AISA Alleges Political Attack, Accused DetainedJharkhand JPSC Protest: Hunger Striker Hospitalised After Four Days As Students Continue AgitationTamil Nadu CM Vijay’s Wife Sangeetha Withdraws Divorce Petition, Family Court Allows Withdrawal’Proof Of Corruption?’ JPSC Aspirant Makes Explosive Claims As Student Protests Intensify In RanchiExplained: Why PM Modi Asked NDA MPs To Avoid The ‘Lutyens’ Web’ And Stay Focused On Public OutreachBeyond BrahMos: Why Drones And Smart Weapons Could Become India’s Next Defence Export Boom?Gen-Alpha Grabs Spotlight At Ranchi JPSC-JSSC Protest As 13-Year-Old Zaid’s Appeal Goes ViralCentre Opposes Creamy Layer For SC-ST Quota, Says Discrimination Goes Beyond Economic StatusIAF’s : Bhawana Kanth Earns ‘Top Gun’ Title, Shivani Sehrawat Becomes Army Chief’s ADC123PhotostoriesEven with the same diet, why do some people develop kidney disease while others don’t? Doctor explains what really makes the differenceExclusive – Farrhana Bhatt on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, Shagun Sharma’s bullying claims against Gaurav Khanna and his divorce from Akanksha Chamola9 traditional South Indian Chicken Curries perfect for weekend dinnerHow to Wear a Tulsi Mala: 7 Important Things to Remember10 unique baby girl names that sound modern yet timelessKriti Sanon owns the night in a midnight-blue Gaurav Gupta couture gown embellished with 5,500 striking crystalsWhy marinating meat is important and 6 mistakes to avoid5 budget-friendly celebrity beauty hacks that actually work7 traditional Goan breads you need to try at least onceTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Shailesh Lodha’s luxurious home: A cozy lounge, a stunning balcony and more123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case
NEW DELHI: Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, fuelling buzz about the revival of the alliance between their parties in the sharply fragmented political space of Punjab as the state gears up for assembly elections next year.While the BJP brass has publicly maintained it will go solo, a prospect that has acquired seriousness as the party has expanded on the back of regional satraps joining it from different parties, a section of its state leadership has batted for renewing ties with the estranged ally due to its perceived political and social dividends.That PM Modi met Sukhbir suggests a rethink. SAD leadership is learnt to be keen on joining hands with BJP, more so as the regional party has been on a decline since AAP came to office in 2022. It has shrunk to three MLAs and an MP.What has likely raised the possibility of their alliance is the growing realisation that a division of votes among four parties, factionalism-hit Congress being the other party in reckoning, may help AAP despite the perceived anti-incumbency against the Bhagwant Mann-led government. Badal is believed to have raised the issue of “crumbling” law and order and “rampant” corruption in Punjab under the AAP government in his meeting with PM Modi.Besides, the entry of jailed MP Amritpal Singh-led Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), which appeals to a radical section with pro-Khalistan impulses, has given Punjab politics another dimension in the run up to the polls and might have prompted the BJP to look afresh at its future course of action in the state. Even though the politics of their alliance makes much sense, what has been a sticking point is the likely dynamics of such a tie-up, people aware of the matter said.
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SAD under Sukhbir’s father and ex-Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal was the unquestioned big brother in the alliance, but the BJP wants a reset, citing growth in its vote share and decline in its former ally’s since they parted ways. In the 2024 LS polls, the BJP had received over 18% of the vote and the SAD less than 15%.
