EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.VINAY KOCHHAR.AMRITSAR/CHANDIGARH.
Political activity has intensified regarding a possible alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Amidst speculation for the past several days, a lengthy meeting between Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal and Punjab BJP election in-charge CR Patil in Delhi has given new impetus to the alliance discussions.
According to sources, the two leaders discussed the current political situation in Punjab and the strategy for the upcoming assembly elections. No official information has yet been released by either side regarding what transpired in the meeting.
Discussions are ongoing behind the scenes
However, in political circles, this meeting is being considered a significant development towards a possible electoral alliance between the two parties. While the BJP publicly states its readiness to contest all 117 assembly seats in Punjab, the increased contact between the Akali leadership and the BJP has brought to the forefront the potential behind-the-scenes discussions.
According to sources, if the two parties move forward with an alliance, the biggest challenge will be determining a seat-sharing formula. The vote share of both parties is also a key factor in the prospects of an Akali-BJP alliance.
In the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, the Shiromani Akali Dal secured approximately 18.38 percent of the vote, while the BJP’s vote share was approximately 6.60 percent. Adding the two, the figure amounts to approximately 25 percent. This means that if the votes, which would otherwise be divided if contested separately, remain united in an alliance, the two parties together could create a significant electoral base. However, statewide vote share alone cannot be directly translated into assembly seats.
A combined vote base of 25 percent is crucial
In Punjab, candidate influence, local dynamics, rural-urban divides, caste dynamics, and booth-level organization also significantly impact electoral outcomes. Nevertheless, a combined vote base of approximately 25 percent is politically significant for both parties, especially as the 2027 election appears poised for a multi-cornered contest. The Akali Dal and BJP have strengths in different regions and social groups in Punjab.
The Akali Dal’s traditional base has been among rural Punjab and Sikh voters, while the BJP’s influence is primarily concentrated in urban areas and other social groups, including the business class. A potential alliance could open the way for both parties to leverage each other’s electoral strengths. The Akali Dal could benefit from the BJP’s organization and influence in urban areas, while the BJP could benefit from the Akali Dal’s traditional network and vote base in rural areas. This is why the potential alliance is being seen not just as a seat-sharing arrangement, but as an attempt to unite two different political bases.
Fought Separately in 2022
The Akali Dal and the BJP contested the 2022 assembly elections separately. Previously, the two parties were alliance partners in Punjab for a long time. The differences between them grew over the issues of agricultural laws and the farmers’ movement, and the alliance broke down. Now, the political situation has changed.
The Aam Aadmi Party is in power in Punjab, the Congress is also the main opposition force, and the BJP is continuously trying to expand its base in the state. On the other hand, the Akali Dal is also trying to re-establish its traditional political influence. Consequently, the two parties are reassessing their political needs for each other.
Seat-sharing will be the biggest test
If alliance talks move forward, the most difficult question will be seat-sharing. In the previous alliance, the BJP contested a limited number of seats, while the Akali Dal contested a large number of seats. But now the BJP’s claim is much larger than before.
The BJP may demand more seats given its expansion in Punjab, while the Akali Dal will be reluctant to give up its traditionally strongholds. Therefore, striking a seat balance between the two parties will be the biggest test for the alliance. In 2022, the Aam Aadmi Party received approximately 42.01 percent of the vote and won 92 seats.###USA###PUNJAB###POLITICS###BJP###SAD###UK###CANADA###AUSTRALIA###NEWZEALAND###SINGAPORE###