BJP-SAD Alliance Punjab Polls: Nayab Saini Rules Out Tie-Up

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has ruled out a BJP-SAD alliance in Punjab ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Saini said the BJP’s alliance is with the people of Punjab. He also expressed confidence that the party will form the next government in the state.

BJP-SAD Alliance in Punjab Ruled Out

Speaking to the media on Monday, Saini dismissed the possibility of an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

He was asked about SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

Saini said PM Modi represents the people of India. He added that the Prime Minister can meet anyone.

The meeting had led to fresh speculation about a possible BJP-SAD alliance Punjab polls tie-up. Saini, however, said there was no such possibility.

BJP and SAD Have a Long History

The BJP and SAD were alliance partners for more than two decades. The two parties jointly governed Punjab during three terms.

They were in power from 1997 to 2002, 2007 to 2012 and 2012 to 2017.

Their 23-year alliance ended in September 2020. The split came after differences over the Centre’s three farm laws.

The SAD initially supported the farm legislation. It later opposed the laws and demanded their repeal.

The Akali Dal subsequently left the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Both parties contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections separately.

Saini Targets Bhagwant Mann Government

Saini also targeted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab.

He accused the Bhagwant Mann-led government of corruption. He claimed that the state government had surpassed the Congress in corruption.

Saini also criticised the ‘Mawan Dhiyan’ scheme. He alleged that the Punjab government was giving cash to women close to the election.

At the same time, he claimed that benefits such as widow pensions had been stopped for some of the same women.

Punjab Polls Bring Alliance Debate Into Focus

Saini’s remarks come months before the Punjab Assembly elections. The possibility of a BJP-SAD alliance in Punjab has become a topic of political discussion following Badal’s meeting with PM Modi.

The BJP and SAD have a long history of working together. However, Saini’s latest statement makes it clear that the BJP is currently ruling out an alliance with the Akali Dal.