Sukhbir Singh Badal Meets PM Modi Amid Speculations of Alliance with BJP
Sukhbir Singh Badal, leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal, recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss Punjab's law and order situation and the upcoming assembly elections. This meeting has ignited speculation about a possible alliance between the Akali Dal and the BJP, rekindling their historical partnership. The two parties had previously separated over disagreements regarding controversial farm laws. As political dynamics shift, analysts are closely watching for signs of a renewed collaboration ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Badal's defense of Modi's recent criticisms adds another layer to this evolving political narrative.
Aug 7, 2026, 14:52 IST
Discussion on Punjab's Law and Order
Sukhbir Singh Badal, the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Friday. The discussion focused on the law and order situation in Punjab and the performance of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, especially with assembly elections approaching early next year. Neither Badal nor the Prime Minister's Office has issued any statements following the meeting, but it has sparked fresh speculation about a potential alliance between the Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), possibly rejoining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Historical Context of Akali Dal and BJP Relations
The Akali Dal and BJP have a long history of collaboration, having worked together in six Lok Sabha elections (1998, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019) and five Punjab assembly elections (1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017). However, they parted ways in September 2020 due to disagreements over three controversial farm laws, which were later repealed by the central government. In the 2022 Punjab elections, both parties contested separately, resulting in the Akali Dal's worst performance, securing only three seats, while the BJP managed just two.
Recent Political Developments
In the 2017 Punjab elections, when the two parties were allied, the Akali Dal won 15 seats, and the BJP obtained three. Recently, there have been reports suggesting that they might reunite. Discussions about a potential alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections have also surfaced, but no agreement was reached. Subsequently, the Akali Dal won only one seat in Punjab, while the BJP failed to secure any.
Modi's Critique and Badal's Defense
In July, PM Modi addressed a rally in Jalandhar, where he criticized the AAP, Congress, and the Akali Dal. However, Badal defended his party, claiming that the Prime Minister was not targeting them but rather a faction of the Akali Dal that had separated. This led political analysts to believe that the former allies might be interested in re-establishing their partnership. According to Badal, PM Modi's comments were directed at the SAD (Reformed), a splinter group from the Akali Dal.