Discussions of a BJP-SAD alliance intensify ahead of the Punjab elections, Sukhbir Badal may meet Amit Shah today: Sources

November 13, 2026

Chandigarh: Political parties have intensified their preparations for the Punjab Assembly elections, scheduled for early next year. Meanwhile, discussions have intensified regarding a possible alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Sources indicate that a meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal is expected on Friday.

Sukhbir Badal has canceled all his scheduled events and programs for Friday, including the induction of former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Bibi Jagir Kaur into the party.

However, the location of the potential meeting between Amit Shah and Sukhbir Badal is not yet known. According to sources, Union Water Power Minister CR Patil may also attend the meeting. Patil has been appointed the BJP’s election in-charge in Punjab.

BJP and SAD parted ways over the issue of agricultural laws

The BJP and Akali Dal were in alliance for a long time, but after disagreements over three agricultural laws, the two parties broke off their alliance. These three agricultural laws were later withdrawn by the central government.

Following this, the two parties contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections separately. The Akali Dal won only three seats, while the BJP won only two.

Even before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there were discussions about the two parties coming together again, but ultimately, they contested separately.

Hints of coming together against AAP and Congress

In recent times, there have been several indications from both parties, which have increased discussions about the possibility of an alliance. Sukhbir Badal, while speaking to reporters on October 23, said that his party was ready to form an alliance with like-minded parties to counter the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress.

At the same time, several BJP leaders have also hinted at the possibility of an alliance with the Akali Dal. However, the party’s official stance remains to contest the Punjab elections alone.

All eyes are now on whether the BJP and Akali Dal will once again come together or contest separately.

Punjab Assembly Elections May Be Held in February-March

The next assembly elections in Punjab are likely to be held in February or March 2027. Assembly elections are also scheduled in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Manipur during this time.

As such, political attention is focused on any talks between the BJP and the Akali Dal regarding a possible alliance before the elections.