Punjabs political terrain is once again ablaze with speculation surrounding the potential rekindling of an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) as the state braces itself for the pivotal 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This resurrected possibility of collaboration carries significant weight, poised to reshape the political landscape of Punjab and wield far-reaching consequences for both parties and the state at large.   Senior BJP leader and party spokesperson SS Channy, in an interview to a private news channel, confirmed the ongoing discussions between the two parties, indicating that talks are actively underway in Punjab. A bureaucrat-turned-politician Channy revealed that the Akali Dal is scheduled to convene a core committee meeting on March 22 to deliberate on the alliance, followed by formal negotiations between the BJP and SAD.   However, he emphasized that the final decision regarding the alliance rests with the BJP high command, underscoring the strategic significance attached to this potential partnership.   Similarly, senior Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema has underscored the importance of the upcoming core committee meeting, where various issues, including the election alliance, will be thoroughly discussed. Cheema hinted at the possibility of forging an alliance with a like-minded political entity, emphasizing the need for strategic alignment in the lead-up to the elections.   Sources close to SAD have revealed that initial hesitations stemmed from unresolved issues such as the legal framework for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the release of Sikh prisoners. These concerns highlight the intricacies involved in political alliances, where ideological alignment and regional interests intersect with broader socio-economic considerations.   It has been learnt that both the parties have also discussed seat sharing arrangement, and are not yet able to arrive at any consensus. During the earlier arrangement in their alliance, SAD used to play the role of big brother while BJP always played second fiddle. But this time, with change in states political dynamics, BJP is claiming more seats that its earlier share of just three in Lok Sabha. Out of 13 seats in Punjab, BJP is reportedly seeking six seats along with one of Chandigarh Lok Sabha constituency.   The potential resurgence of the SAD-BJP alliance has sparked scrutiny from various quarters within Punjabs political spectrum. Leader of the Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa has expressed apprehensions regarding its implications, cautioning that such an alliance could contradict SADs stance on crucial issues such as farmers welfare and religious sensitivities, potentially alienating a significant voter base.   The backdrop against which this alliances resurgence unfolds is crucially shaped by past events, notably SADs departure from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in September 2020 over the contentious farm laws. Despite the subsequent repeal of these laws, SADs re-engagement with the BJP underscores the complex interplay of regional politics and national alliances.   The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape the electoral fortunes of the BJP and SAD in Punjab but will also have ramifications for the broader political landscape in the state. It will influence voter perceptions, electoral strategies, and ultimately, the composition of Punjabs representation in the Lok Sabha.   Notably, the alliance between the SAD and BJP in Punjab has a rich history, spanning several decades. Starting in the 1990s, SAD and BJP formed an alliance in Punjab, and contested several elections together, both at the Lok Sabha and Assembly levels. The alliance successfully formed the government in Punjab with the coalition creating a history by repeaing their government in 2017 — ruling the state, under Parkash Singh Badal, for record 10 years.   However in 2020, SAD-BJP alliance faced a significant challenge due to the contentious farm laws introduced by the Central Government. SAD, primarily representing rural interests, decided to part ways with the BJP over these laws, with party MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal resigning from the Union Cabinet. The farm agitation against these contentious laws further strained their relationship, leading to the SADs withdrawal from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).   As of now, the talks of a potential re-alliance between the SAD and BJP have resurfaced. The SAD-BJP alliance has witnessed ups and downs, shaped by historical movements, regional dynamics, and contemporary issues. As Punjab gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the fate of this alliance remains uncertain, contingent upon the resolution of farmers concerns.  

Stay updated with all the Chandigarh Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.