Punjab polls 2027: Sukhbir Badal reacts on alliance with BJP

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal has avoided giving a clear answer on the question of re-allotting an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party for the 2027 Punjab assembly elections. When asked by reporters about a possible alliance with the BJP, he said that he is not an astrologer and everything will come to the fore in the coming days.

Sukhbir Singh Badal said that leaving aside Congress and Aam Aadmi Party, the Akali Dal is ready to make an agreement with any such faction that agrees with the party's ideology and raises its voice for the interests of Punjab. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Kadian) announced unconditional support to the Akali Dal in the 2027 elections.

On three Aam Aadmi Party MLAs joining the BJP, Sukhbir Badal claimed that leaders from the 'AAP' will leave the party on a large scale and only two or four of their leaders will be able to win in the upcoming elections.

On the other hand, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the Aam Aadmi Party will field him again from Dirba and state president Aman Arora from Sunam. Questions were being raised over both leaders' names not being included after 'AAP' released its first list of 40 candidates.

Harpal Singh Cheema said that the next list of candidates will come out within 15 to 20 days. On the defection of MLAs, he said that only those leaders whose tickets are being cut are leaving the party.

Meanwhile, 'AAP' president Aman Arora reacted to MLAs Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, Chetan Singh Jouramajra and Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh joining the BJP. He said that the BJP lacks an organizational base in Punjab, due to which it is associating leaders facing serious allegations with itself.

Meanwhile, Congress in-charge for Punjab affairs Sachin Pilot reviewed preparations for Rahul Gandhi's 'Insaaf Rally' to be held on November 4 at Phagguwala village in Sangrur. Pilot raised questions on the 'AAP' government over the issue of law and order in the state and alleged that the BJP is trying to poach MLAs of other parties due to a lack of local faces.

Key developments

• Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal said the picture on the BJP alliance will be clear in the coming days.
• Finance Minister Harpal Cheema confirmed his re-contest from Dirba and Aman Arora's from Sunam.
• 'AAP' accused the BJP of lacking a base after three MLAs joined the BJP.
• Congress leader Sachin Pilot reviewed preparations for Rahul Gandhi's rally in Sangrur.