Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has indicated that any future alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party would have to reflect the BJP's growing political strength in Punjab. He said the party is no longer willing to accept the role of a “junior partner” in the state's politics.
Speaking during his visit to Ludhiana, Puri said if the Akali Dal wishes to renew ties with the BJP, it must acknowledge the party's stronger position. He pointed out that the BJP has become the world's largest political outfit and said any future arrangement would have to take present-day political realities into account.
He said the BJP has steadily increased its organisational reach and support base across Punjab over the years. He suggested that the political equation has changed and that the party would expect to take a leading role in any future alliance.
Puri said the BJP remains committed to development, effective governance and public welfare in Punjab. He added that the party is gradually emerging as a strong political force in the state and has the capacity to grow further on its own.
Without commenting on any ongoing or proposed alliance talks, Puri said the final decision would be taken by the BJP's central leadership. At the same time, he stressed that the party is now in a much stronger position in Punjab than it was in the past and that any future partnership would have to reflect that reality.
Also read: One killed, another critical in Jalandhar firing
Follow us
