Sukhbir Badal Backs Delimitation After PM Meet, Fueling Alliance Speculation

New Delhi: A day after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Badal on Saturday announced support for the delimitation and women's reservation bills, a move that has reignited speculation about a possible revival of the party's long-dormant alliance with the BJP.

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister's residence, lasted around an hour and was described by sources as 'cordial'. While no official statement was issued by either side, the political messaging was unmistakable — the Akali Dal is signalling a return to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fold ahead of the 2027 Punjab assembly elections.

Support for Bills Seen as a Signal

Sukhbir Badal's endorsement of the two bills — which the opposition has criticised as politically motivated — is being interpreted by political analysts as a deliberate olive branch to the central leadership. The SAD had previously been non-committal on both matters, even as the BJP pushed for their passage in Parliament.

In a brief statement, the SAD said it supports the measures as they 'ensure equitable representation and development'. The party did not elaborate further, but the timing has not been lost on observers. The announcement came less than 24 hours after the Modi-Badal meeting.

The Panthic Calculus

Political watchers say the renewed alliance talks are not just about seats — they are about identity. The Akali Dal has struggled to hold its traditional Sikh voter base, which drifted in recent elections. A return to the BJP, many believe, could help SAD reclaim its 'Panthic' leadership role, especially if it positions itself as a defender of Sikh interests while being part of a national coalition.

However, this is a risky bet. The previous alliance, which lasted over two decades, ended acrimoniously in 2020 over the farm laws. The BJP's decision to repeal those laws did little to heal the wound, and SAD leaders have since maintained a distance, even as several other regional parties have returned to the NDA fold.

What the Meeting Means for 2027

Punjab goes to polls in 2027, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) currently holds power in the state. The Congress, too, remains a significant player. For the Akali Dal, which saw its worst-ever performance in the 2022 assembly elections, the path to revival is steep.

An alliance with the BJP could provide the SAD with organisational muscle and access to central resources. For the BJP, a tie-up with the Akali Dal would offer a foothold in a state where it has traditionally struggled to win seats on its own.

Neither party has confirmed anything officially. A senior BJP functionary, speaking on condition of anonymity, said 'discussions are at an initial stage'. SAD leaders, too, have avoided direct answers, saying only that 'all options are open' for the welfare of Punjab.

Challenges Ahead

The road to a formal alliance is fraught with obstacles. The SAD's core constituency — the Sikh peasantry — remains deeply suspicious of the BJP, particularly over the 2020-21 farmers' protest. Any alliance announcement would need careful handling to avoid a backlash.

Moreover, the Akali Dal has its own internal dynamics. Sukhbir Badal's leadership has been questioned by some within the party, and a decision to align with the BJP could deepen these fault lines.

For now, the signals are being read carefully. The support for the two bills is a clear step, but it is not a commitment. Political observers will be watching for further moves — such as joint statements, coordinated attacks on the AAP government, or formal meeting of alliance committees — in the coming weeks.

Whether this leads to a full-fledged alliance or remains a tactical alignment will depend on how both parties weigh their electoral arithmetic against their ideological baggage. The next few months are likely to provide a clearer picture.