Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has ruled out the possibility of an electoral alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), amid renewed speculation about a possible tie-up between the two parties in Punjab.
Saini’s remarks came following a meeting between SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting had triggered speculation in political circles about whether the BJP and SAD could once again join hands ahead of the upcoming electoral battle in Punjab.
Speaking to the media on Monday after releasing monthly financial assistance to beneficiaries under various Haryana government schemes, Saini was asked about the Prime Minister’s meeting with Badal and the possibility of an alliance.
Rejecting the possibility, Saini replied in Punjabi, “No, there is no such thing.” He stressed that the Prime Minister remains accessible to people and political leaders alike, saying that Modi is the “voice of 140 crore people” and that anyone seeking to meet him can do so.
Saini further sought to downplay the political significance of Badal’s meeting with Modi, stating that political parties regularly meet the Prime Minister to discuss various issues.
He also made a strong assertion about the BJP’s prospects in Punjab, saying, “BJP’s alliance is with the people of Punjab.” Saini said he was confident about the party’s position because of his interactions with people in the state.
The Haryana Chief Minister went a step further and expressed confidence that the BJP would form the government in Punjab. His comments indicate that, at least for now, the party intends to project itself as an independent political force in the state rather than relying on its former alliance partner, the SAD.
