Chandigarh: The meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday amid the monsoon session of Parliament sparked a new discussion in the politics of Punjab. After this meeting held in the Parliament House, speculations about the coming together of the BJP and Akali Dal again intensified in the political circles. However, after the meeting, neither of the leaders talked to the media nor were any official comments made by any party regarding the alliance. Despite this, this meeting is being linked to upcoming political developments.
Why is there so much discussion about this meeting?
The relationship between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal was once counted among the strongest political partnerships in Punjab politics. In such a situation, the meeting of top leaders of both parties has political importance in itself. The same thing happened this time also. Immediately after the meeting, discussions started in political circles about whether the two parties were trying to come closer to each other again. However, neither party has said anything officially in this regard.
What issues were discussed during the meeting?
According to sources, topics like the development of Punjab, the agriculture sector, farmers’ problems, and the current law and order of the state were discussed between Prime Minister Modi and Sukhbir Singh Badal. The changing political situation in the state was also a part of the conversation. No official agenda of the meeting was made public, thus giving rise to political speculation.
How did the distance come in the relations between the two parties?
BJP and Akali Dal remained together for almost two and a half decades. The controversy that started in the year 2020 regarding agricultural laws broke this alliance. Akali Dal decided to separate from the NDA, and after that, both the parties fought the Punjab Assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections separately. Since then, the leaders met on several occasions, but no concrete announcement was made in the direction of the alliance.
Can the changing politics of Punjab be the reason for this?
At present, the Aam Aadmi Party is in power in the state, while the Congress is also active in the opposition. BJP is continuously trying to increase its support base, and the Akali Dal is also busy strengthening its old political base. In such an environment, if both the parties decide to come together in the future, the nature of the electoral contest may change. However, at present it is only a matter of political discussion, as no party has confirmed the alliance.
What did Kejriwal say?
On the meeting of the Prime Minister and Sukhbir Badal, Aam Aadmi Party’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal wrote sarcastically on the social media platform ‘X’, “Na-na karte pyar tumhi se kar sithe.” Along with this, he also raised questions on the possible alliance of the BJP and the Akali Dal. After his comment, political rhetoric intensified, but there was no reaction from the BJP and Akali Dal.
What will you keep an eye on now?
This meeting has definitely sparked a new discussion in Punjab politics, but the picture is not completely clear yet. In the coming days, if there are more meetings between the leaders of both parties or if any common political signal comes to light, then only will it become clear whether this meeting was just formal or some big political strategy is being prepared behind it. At present, all eyes are on the next political move of the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal.
