Even as top brass rules out reviving ties with SAD, state leaders admit backchannel talks for a pre-poll tie-up continue
The Bharatiya Janata Party has publicly declared it will contest all 117 Punjab assembly seats independently in the elections due early next year, dismissing talk of patching up with former ally Shiromani Akali Dal. National general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh, during a two-day state visit, said Punjab was ready for change and voiced confidence the BJP would form its maiden government there.
Yet the picture on the ground is murkier. Two senior state functionaries told reporters that alliance negotiations with SAD remain active, especially after SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this month reignited speculation of a reunion. SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia has also spoken publicly in favour of reviving the partnership, which collapsed in 2020 over the farm laws dispute.
Party insiders say the “go solo” messaging is strategic , similar to the approach used in Tamil Nadu before the AIADMK rejoined the NDA meant to push cadres to build grassroots strength rather than lean on an ally for vote transfers
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