Chandigarh: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri made a definitive statement regarding the political dynamics in Punjab, asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party will no longer accept the role of a junior partner in any potential alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal. Speaking during a strategic visit to Ludhiana on Saturday, Puri emphasised that the regional political landscape has shifted dramatically and any future coalition must reflect the current balance of political strength.
The Union Minister pointed out that the BJP has steadily expanded its organizational infrastructure and widened its public support base across Punjab over recent years. He remarked that if the Akali Dal wishes to rebuild its historical ties with the BJP, the regional party must acknowledge that the BJP has grown into the world’s largest political party. Puri indicated that the party now expects to take the leading role in state partnerships, moving away from the traditional seat-sharing equations of the past.
While clarifying that any final decision on a formal political alliance rests solely with the BJP’s central leadership, Puri maintained that the party is increasingly emerging as a powerful, independent alternative in the state. He reiterated that the BJP remains deeply focused on driving development, establishing good governance, and ensuring public welfare across Punjab, positioning itself to expand its influence on its own merit.
