Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
A final decision on a possible alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is expected to be taken in Delhi today. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly summoned SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal to the national capital for crucial discussions on the proposed alliance.
According to sources, the two leaders will hold detailed discussions on the alliance roadmap, including seat-sharing arrangements and the issue of the Chief Ministerial face ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. The BJP may seek a larger share of seats this time as part of the proposed seat-sharing formula.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that the Akali Dal (Punarsurjit) has already announced that it will not join hands with the BJP if an alliance is forged between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Sukhbir Badal’s sudden visit to Delhi has also affected the party’s internal schedule. The planned return of Bibi Jagir Kaur to the Shiromani Akali Dal, which was scheduled for today, has been postponed. She will now formally rejoin the party on November 15.
