With fourteen months remaining before the Punjab assembly elections, discussions have reignited over a potential revival of ties between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh’s endorsement of a BJP-SAD alliance has sparked speculation about possible political realignments.
Amarinder Singh, who previously left the Congress and later merged his outfit, Punjab Lok Congress, with the BJP, has recently stated that “for Punjab’s stability, Hindus and Sikhs must come together politically.” His remarks are viewed as a call for healing the rift between the BJP and SAD, which parted ways in 2020 over the now-repealed farm laws.
While the BJP leadership has so far maintained silence, insiders claim that senior figures are open to exploring new equations if it benefits the party’s chances in Punjab. The SAD, led by Sukhbir Singh Badal, has remained cautious, neither denying nor confirming any backchannel communication. Analysts suggest both parties might find cooperation strategically useful, especially with the growing influence of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the state.
Commentators point out that Amarinder’s advocacy could be part of a broader political message aimed at communal harmony and a stable governance model. Some BJP workers in Punjab reportedly welcomed the idea, though others advised waiting for guidance from the central leadership in Delhi.
Though no formal talks have begun, the speculation reflects Punjab’s fluid political landscape, where alliances often shift close to elections. Both parties are expected to assess ground realities before making any concrete moves.
“For Punjab’s stability, Hindus and Sikhs must come together politically,” — Amarinder Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab.
Amarinder Singh’s call for a BJP-SAD reunion has reignited speculation about old alliances returning ahead of the Punjab elections, hinting at renewed political maneuvering.