New Delhi: The proposed reunion between the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections is facing a decisive moment, with seat-sharing disagreements and differences over political leadership continuing to complicate negotiations.
SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has been called to Delhi for discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The meeting is expected to determine whether the two former allies can reach an understanding or prepare to fight the elections independently.
One of the biggest hurdles is the distribution of constituencies. Earlier discussions reportedly revolved around a 70-47 seat-sharing arrangement, but the BJP is seeking a substantially larger share than it received in previous elections. A 50-50 formula has also been floated, reflecting the party’s changing expectations in Punjab.
The position of Akali Dal Punarsurjit has further complicated the negotiations. The faction has made it clear that it will not associate with the BJP if the latter enters into an alliance with Sukhbir Badal’s SAD. Giani Harpreet Singh’s position has also reportedly prompted a rethink over the possible accommodation of different Akali groups.
Bibi Jagir Kaur’s return programme put on hold
Badal’s sudden Delhi engagement has also delayed a planned party event involving Bibi Jagir Kaur. He was scheduled to visit her residence to facilitate her return to the Shiromani Akali Dal, but the programme will now take place after his return.
From Modi meeting to renewed alliance talks
Speculation about a BJP-SAD reunion gathered momentum after Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi following earlier discussions at Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s residence. Subsequent interactions between senior leaders of the two parties, including Badal’s meeting with BJP Punjab election in-charge CR Patil, added to expectations of a possible agreement.
The two parties have also explored ways to accommodate the emerging Akali Dal faction, with reports suggesting that the BJP had considered offering it 10 to 12 seats from its own quota. However, the disagreement involving Giani Harpreet Singh has reportedly altered those calculations.
If the alliance takes shape, a formal announcement could be accompanied by a major public gathering in Punjab, with Bathinda being discussed as a possible venue for a rally addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
For now, the central questions remain unresolved: how many seats each party will contest, who will lead the alliance and whether both sides can overcome their differences. If negotiations fail, the BJP and SAD may enter the 2027 Assembly contest as separate political forces.
