From Delhi to Chandigarh; Sukhbir’s back-to-back meetings set off alliance buzz

Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

By : Samriti Sharma

Punjab Assembly elections drawing closer, political activity in the state has intensified. Fresh speculation has emerged about a possible alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

According to political sources, the Akali Dal may need the BJP’s support to remain a significant force in Punjab politics, while the BJP is reportedly seeking the Akali Dal’s backing on issues such as parliamentary delimitation and the Women’s Reservation Bill.

The buzz gained momentum after a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Sources claim that Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini played a key role in facilitating the interaction. Before meeting the Prime Minister in Delhi, Sukhbir Badal reportedly met CM Saini at the Haryana Chief Minister’s residence in Chandigarh.

After returning from Delhi, Sukhbir Badal reached Chandigarh and chaired a meeting of the Akali Dal’s core committee on Saturday. Senior leaders including Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Gulzar Singh Ranike, Sikander Singh Maluka, and Heera Singh Gabria were present.

SAD spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler said the meeting focused on the current political and administrative situation in Punjab and that no discussion on an alliance took place. Sukhbir Badal also stated that his meeting with Prime Minister Modi was centred on Punjab’s prevailing conditions.

Meanwhile, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said the party’s Parliamentary Board discussed the Women’s Reservation Bill and issues related to delimitation. He clarified that the Shiromani Akali Dal supports delimitation in principle but opposes using population as the sole basis for redrawing constituencies. Instead, the party has suggested a formula that would increase the number of seats by 50 percent.

Although both parties have officially denied any talks on an electoral alliance, the sequence of high-level meetings has strengthened speculation that political realignments may be taking shape ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections.