Chandigarh: Speculation has intensified about an alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The formal announcement of the alliance between the two parties is now expected to be made in the third week of November instead of December.
It is reported that the Akali Dal wanted the alliance to be announced on December 8th. This was because December 8th is the birthday of former Punjab Chief Minister and late Akali leader Parkash Singh Badal. The party considered this date to be a significant date for the alliance announcement.
However, the BJP’s central leadership believes that waiting until December would be too late for election preparations. Both parties should announce the alliance in November itself to build coordination among their workers, strengthen their grassroots organization, and launch a public relations campaign.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Punjab between November 15 and 22. It is being discussed that a joint rally of the two parties may be held in Bathinda during this visit, where Prime Minister Modi may formally announce the alliance.
70-47 Formula for Seat-Sharing
The Akali Dal and the BJP are reportedly agreeing on a 70-47 seat-sharing formula. Under this, the Akali Dal could contest 70 seats and the BJP 47.
Previously, there was discussion of a 50-50 formula between the two parties. At that time, it was believed that the BJP might give tickets to leaders from the Punar Surjit faction, which had split from the Akali Dal, from its share of seats.
However, the political equations now appear to be changing. Several leaders from the Punar Surjit faction are rejoining the Shiromani Akali Dal. Most of these prominent leaders are being accommodated within the Akali Dal. Due to this change, it is being said that a consensus has been reached on a formula of giving 70 seats to the Akali Dal and 47 seats to the BJP.
Differing Opinions Between the Two Parties Regarding the Chief Ministerial Face
The official position regarding the Chief Ministerial face of the alliance is not yet clear. Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leaders believe that the Akali Dal is the main pillar of the alliance in Punjab, and therefore the Chief Ministerial face should also be from the Akali Dal.
On the other hand, the BJP leadership believes that contesting the elections without projecting a single candidate or deciding on the Chief Ministerial post after the election results may be more beneficial. However, to ensure proper representation of the Sikh community, the BJP may agree to the Akali Dal’s proposal for a Chief Ministerial face.
Leaders of the Punar Surjit faction returning to the Akali Dal
The return of leaders from the Punar Surjit faction, which had split from the Akali Dal, to the party is also affecting the alliance’s seat-sharing equation.
Professor Prem Singh Chandumajra has already joined the Shiromani Akali Dal, while Bibi Jagir Kaur is said to be joining the party on November 13th. This has been confirmed by Akali Dal leader and former minister Daljit Singh Cheema.
It is being reported that these leaders’ homecoming is leading to new seat-sharing arrangements within the alliance. The BJP wants the returning Akali Dal leaders to find a place within the party so that it does not impact the alliance’s seat-sharing arrangements.
At the same time, some leaders from the Punar Surjit faction are reluctant to return to the Akali Dal. The BJP may accommodate these leaders in its own share of seats. As part of this strategy, there is talk of reaching an agreement on a formula of giving the Akali Dal 70 seats and the BJP 47 seats.