Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Nov 13: Speculation over a possible alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has intensified ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections scheduled for early next year, with sources indicating a possible meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday.

According to sources, Badal has cancelled all his scheduled programmes and engagements for Friday. These include an event to induct former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Bibi Jagir Kaur into the party.

The venue for the proposed meeting between Shah and Badal has not been confirmed. Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil, who is also the BJP's election in-charge for Punjab, is likely to attend the meeting, sources said.

The BJP and SAD had ended their long-standing alliance following differences over the three controversial farm laws, which were subsequently withdrawn. The two parties contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections separately, with the SAD winning just three seats and the BJP securing two.

There was also speculation about the parties joining hands for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but they eventually contested independently.

However, recent statements from leaders of both parties have fuelled speculation about a possible reunion to challenge the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress.

During an interaction with reporters on October 23, Badal indicated that the SAD was open to joining hands with like-minded parties to prevent the AAP and Congress from gaining further ground.

Several BJP leaders have also made statements suggesting the possibility of an alliance, although the party's official position has remained that it would contest the Punjab elections independently.

The upcoming Punjab Assembly elections are expected to be held in February or March next year, along with polls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur.