CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Delhi: New Delhi/Chandigarh: Political discussions over a possible reunion between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have intensified ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Reports indicate that both parties are exploring an electoral alliance, but the distribution of constituencies remains a major challenge in finalising an agreement.
The renewed speculation gained momentum after Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke about the possibility of an NDA government in Punjab. The remarks prompted political observers to examine whether the two former allies could rebuild their partnership after separating in 2020.
According to media reports citing party sources, the BJP may seek to contest between 35 and 45 of Punjab’s 117 Assembly seats, while the Akali Dal could contest a larger share. However, neither party has formally confirmed a final seat-sharing arrangement, and the figures remain subject to negotiations.
The constituency-sharing issue is complicated by the parties’ traditional areas of influence. The BJP has generally focused on urban constituencies, whereas the Akali Dal has maintained a stronger presence in rural areas. The Akali Dal is reportedly interested in contesting some semi-urban seats as well, including constituencies where the BJP believes it has electoral strength.
The two parties were allies from 1996 until 2020 and formed governments together in Punjab following the 1997, 2007 and 2012 Assembly elections. Their alliance ended when the Akali Dal withdrew from the National Democratic Alliance amid disagreements over the Centre’s agricultural laws and the farmers’ protests.
The political circumstances have since changed, and both parties have contested elections independently. Their renewed discussions reflect efforts to reassess their electoral strategies before the next Assembly polls.
Beyond seat allocation, questions concerning leadership, policy commitments and Punjab’s regional concerns could influence the negotiations. The Akali Dal has previously emphasised issues such as river-water sharing, Punjabi-speaking areas and the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab. <Cite refs={["turn712084search0","turn712084search6"]}/>
For now, the proposed alliance remains under discussion. A formal announcement and an agreed constituency-sharing formula will be necessary before the final electoral arrangement becomes clear.
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