BJP and SAD Near Alliance Revival Ahead of Punjab Election

Following a meeting between Narendra Modi and Sukhbir Singh Badal on Aug 7, the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiromani Akali Dal are close to reviving their coalition for the forthcoming Punjab legislative assembly election. Party officials say that, while both groups view a joint front as their best electoral strategy, they still need to resolve contentious issues such as the division of constituencies. The BJP has not publicly confirmed the partnership and will take the ultimate call on the alliance.

Observers note that the current negotiations appear more flexible than the stalled talks before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, when inflexibility broke the talks. Nonetheless, sources warn that hammering out the specifics of seat sharing will likely prove tougher than simply agreeing to run together.