BJP and SAD alliance talks spark debate ahead of Punjab 2027 polls

Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini dismissed any prospect of a BJP-SAD partnership for the 2027 Punjab assembly election despite recent speculation following a Modi-Badal meeting.

Speculation about a renewed BJP-Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) coalition for the 2027 Punjab assembly election grew after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, marking their first encounter since the 2020 break over the farm bills. Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, who is steering the BJP’s Punjab strategy, publicly ruled out any alliance, emphasizing that the parties will contest separately.

Badal, whose political fortunes have waned after consecutive electoral setbacks, recently altered his position on the central government’s delimitation proposal, prompting rebukes from Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh and Raja Warring. The BJP currently controls just two seats in Punjab’s legislature and secured a 6.6% vote share in the latest assembly poll, while its Lok Sabha performance in 2024 was weak despite an 18.65% vote share.

Historically, SAD served as the senior partner in the state NDA, but the power balance has shifted, leading the BJP to assert its leadership role. Both sides appear to be testing the waters for future cooperation as the 2027 contest approaches.