Sukhbir Badal Open to Alliance, Rules Out AAP and Congress After Shah's NDA Pitchਸ਼ਾਹ ਦੇ ਐਨਡੀਏ ਦਾਅਵੇ ਮਗਰੋਂ ਸੁਖਬੀਰ ਬਾਦਲ ਗੱਠਜੋੜ ਲਈ ਤਿਆਰ, ਆਪ-ਕਾਂਗਰਸ ਰੱਦ

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal said on Friday, 23 October 2026, that his party is open to an alliance with parties that agree with its ideology and programmes, while ruling out any tie-up with the AAP and Congress, The Hindu (PTI), The Times of India and News18 reported. The remarks fuelled speculation of a SAD-BJP reunion a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah predicted an NDA government in Punjab in 2027.

What did Sukhbir Badal say?

Speaking in Chandigarh, Badal called the AAP and Congress the "biggest enemies" of Punjab, according to PTI and The Times of India. He said many other parties besides these agreed with the Akali Dal's ideology and that "we are open", as quoted by the Economic Times. He did not name the BJP directly, News18 and India Today noted. He also said peace prevailed in Punjab during the SAD-BJP coalition government, and that the Akali Dal is a regional party with Punjab as its "number one priority", according to ANI as cited by News18.

What did Amit Shah say?

The Statesman and The Tribune reported that Shah on Thursday signalled a BJP-SAD tie-up while predicting that the NDA would form the next government in Punjab. The Tribune noted that no formal announcement has been made. The Indian Express quoted a leader saying the likelihood of a tie-up was highest with the Akali Dal, though it depended on what was on the negotiating table.

Why does it matter for Punjab?

The SAD and BJP ran Punjab together for years before parting ways, and Assembly elections are due in early 2027. India Today reported that Badal spoke after a SAD delegation met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and pressed for action over the killing of activist Parvinder Singh Jhota and called for the dismissal of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. These are the party's demands, not findings.

What happens next?

Neither party had announced an alliance in the reports reviewed. Seat-sharing terms and the BJP's formal response remain to be seen.

Has the SAD-BJP alliance been announced?

No. Badal said the party is open to like-minded parties but did not name the BJP, and the Tribune said no formal announcement has been made.

Which parties did Badal rule out?

He ruled out the AAP and the Congress, calling them Punjab's biggest enemies.

When are the Punjab Assembly elections?

They are due in early 2027.