Chandigarh: The possibility of the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal coming together again ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections has gained traction, with sources indicating that both parties could formalise an understanding after Diwali. Negotiations are reportedly focused on the distribution of Assembly seats, with the BJP seeking a much bigger role in the proposed alliance.
According to BJP sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may travel to Bathinda once the discussions are concluded and announce the partnership at a major public gathering. The proposed visit is being viewed as a possible launchpad for the alliance’s political campaign in Punjab, although no official confirmation has been issued so far.
The renewed alliance speculation follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statements about the possibility of an NDA government taking shape in Punjab after the 2027 elections.
Old seat-sharing arrangement may undergo major change
The biggest point of discussion between the two parties is reportedly the number of seats each would contest. The BJP is said to be pushing for approximately 45 to 50 constituencies, leaving the Akali Dal with around 67 to 72 seats.
This would represent a considerable change from their earlier partnership, which lasted two decades, from 1997 to 2017. During that period, the BJP generally contested 23 seats, while the SAD fielded candidates in 94 constituencies in the 117-member Punjab Assembly.
The BJP’s reported demand indicates that it wants a substantially larger share in any new electoral arrangement.
Breakaway Akali groups unlikely to join the proposed arrangement
There had also been discussions about the possibility of other Akali factions becoming part of a broader political understanding. Akali Dal Punarsurjit, formed by a breakaway group, was among the names mentioned in this context.
However, sources suggest that an arrangement with this faction is unlikely for now. Its lack of registration as an official political party is reportedly a key hurdle, as its leaders would need to contest elections using the symbol of another party.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s name surfaces for Union Cabinet role
The possible political understanding has also triggered discussion about Akali Dal’s representation in the Union government. BJP sources suggest that Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Bathinda MP and wife of SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, could return to the Union Cabinet if the alliance is finalised.
She has previously served as a Union Minister. Punjab currently has no minister from the state in the Union government following Ravneet Singh Bittu’s departure from the position of Minister of State.
Sukhbir Badal leaves room for political understanding
Sukhbir Singh Badal has also kept his position open on the question of a possible BJP alliance. During recent remarks in Chandigarh, he described the AAP and Congress as his party’s principal political rivals but indicated that an understanding with another party could be possible if its ideology matches that of the SAD.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal has likewise made comments at a public rally that have fuelled speculation about a possible reunion.
With the 2027 Assembly elections approaching, the reported negotiations could reshape Punjab’s political equations. Whether the two parties reach an agreement, and whether Modi announces it at a Bathinda rally, will become clearer once the discussions conclude. For now, the proposed alliance and seat-sharing figures remain unconfirmed.
