SAD Chief Sukhbir Badal Hints at BJP Alliance Ahead of 2027 Punjab Polls, Calls AAP and Congress Main Rivals

October 23, 2026

Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has indicated that his party is open to joining hands with like-minded parties ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. His remarks have added to speculation about a possible return of the Akali Dal to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Speaking to reporters on Friday after meeting Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Badal identified the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress as his party’s main political opponents in Punjab.

Without naming the BJP directly, he said the Akali Dal was ready to work with parties that shared its views and agenda for the state’s development. He also stressed that Punjab’s interests would remain the party’s priority, regardless of whether it came to power.

The remarks come amid growing discussion about a possible revival of the BJP-SAD alliance before the next Assembly elections. The two parties were long-time partners before parting ways in 2020 over the Centre’s farm laws.

SAD Chief Sukhbir Badal’s Meeting With PM Modi Added to Alliance Speculation

Talk of a possible reunion gained attention in August when Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. The meeting focused on the situation in Punjab and fuelled speculation that the two parties could reconsider their political relationship ahead of the 2027 polls.

However, neither party has formally announced an alliance. Badal’s latest comments indicate that the Akali Dal is willing to consider an arrangement with parties whose positions align with its own.

Why the BJP and Akali Dal Parted Ways in 2020

The BJP and the Akali Dal ended their long-standing alliance in September 2020 after disagreements over three farm laws introduced by the central government. The laws triggered widespread protests, particularly in Punjab, and the Akali Dal faced pressure from its farmer support base to withdraw from the BJP-led NDA.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal resigned from the Union Cabinet in September 2020, and Sukhbir Singh Badal subsequently announced the party’s exit from the alliance. The Centre later repealed the three laws, but the Akali Dal did not return to the NDA.

The parties contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections separately. The BJP won two seats, while the Akali Dal secured three, marking a poor result for both parties.

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there was again speculation about a possible seat-sharing arrangement. Talks did not result in an alliance, and both parties contested separately. The Akali Dal won the Bathinda seat, while the BJP failed to win a seat in Punjab.

Badal Meets Governor Regarding Parvinder Singh Jhota Case

Badal said his meeting with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria was also about the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. He said he had placed four demands before the Governor, including the removal of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and action against ministers, MLAs and officials whom he accused of protecting the drug trade.

Badal also demanded a Class-I government job for Jhota’s widow, Bibi Manpreet Kaur, along with compensation of ₹2 crore on humanitarian grounds. He said the family and the action committee had not sought the compensation.

He further called for the CBI investigation to be expanded to include the cases of Gulzar Singh of Toor Banjara in Dirba, who reportedly named Finance Minister Harpal Cheema in his dying declaration, and Bikramjit Singh of Sri Hargobindpur Sahib, who was allegedly hacked to death for opposing the drug trade.

Badal’s remarks on a possible alliance and his demands over the Jhota case come as political parties prepare for the next Punjab Assembly election.

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