No other way to win Punjab poll: Capt bats for BJP-SAD alliance

BJP leader and former Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has strongly advocated a pre-poll alliance between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, asserting that there is “no other way” for the BJP to form a government in the state.

In an interview with a media outlet, the former Congress Chief Minister, who joined the BJP in 2022, said the saffron party still lacked a strong organisational base in rural Punjab and did not fully understand the state’s ground realities. “The BJP doesn’t understand the state well enough to build a strong organisational base independently… There is no other way to form a government (without partnering with the SAD),” he said.

Capt Amarinder’s remarks have reignited speculation about a possible reunion of the old NDA allies, who parted ways in 2020-21 over the controversial farm laws.

The 83-year-old leader also announced his full return to active politics after recovering from a back surgery. Declaring himself “totally fit and active”, he said he felt deeply indebted to Punjab and was ready to campaign extensively. “I feel indebted to Punjab. Punjab has given me a lot… I owe it to Punjab to give whatever I can,” he said, adding that the decision on projecting him as the chief ministerial face would be left to the party high command.

The veteran leader expressed complete faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “I stand with my party. I stand to fight for them. I stand for a stable country. The Prime Minister is doing a good job. People may crib and say what they like, but he has put India on the world map again.”

Meanwhile, the SAD has reacted cautiously. SAD spokesperson Daljeet Singh Cheema told The Tribune, “We will discuss any possibility of an alliance only if it is formally proposed by the party concerned. This appears to be the personal view of Capt Amarinder Singh.”

Cheema said the Akali Dal was fully geared up for the upcoming local bodies polls in Punjab and its candidates would contest on the party’s election symbol.