Punjab politics rarely remains quiet for long. On Friday, political circles in Delhi were buzzing over remarks made by Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, which many interpreted as a possible signal that the SAD could be considering a return to the BJP-led NDA alliance.
The speculation began after a video of Harsimrat Badal speaking at the death anniversary event of former Akali leader Harchand Singh Longowal in Sangrur on Thursday went viral. Her remarks have reportedly drawn attention in Delhi as well. The BJP is said to be watching the developments closely but has not made any public move so far.
Harsimrat said it was not for her to speak openly on the matter and that people would come to know at the right time. She expressed hope that old alliances and understandings, under which Punjab's development-related work was supported from Delhi, could be restored. Her comments were seen by many political observers as a possible hint at renewed ties between the SAD and BJP.
However, neither party has officially confirmed that talks over an alliance are underway. Still, recent developments have added to speculation that relations between the two former allies may be improving.
The signs of a possible thaw began when Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal in Parliament. The SAD later supported the Prime Minister's stand on issues related to delimitation and women's reservation.
Senior BJP leaders, including PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also contacted Harsimrat Badal to enquire about Sukhbir Badal's health after he was attacked in Nanded, Maharashtra. Harsimrat has also written to Amit Shah twice in recent weeks.
In her first letter, she sought a CBI investigation into alleged paper leak cases in Punjab. In another communication, she demanded an NIA probe into the attack on her husband.
Meanwhile, sources said the BJP's Punjab strategists have been asked to assess the party's strongest constituencies among the state's 117 Assembly seats in case an alliance with the SAD takes shape.
The BJP is said to have identified around 50 Assembly seats where it considers itself particularly strong. For now, the party is preparing to contest all 117 seats in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, unless the political situation changes.
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