Amit Shah signals possible BJP-SAD reunion, predicts NDA government in Punjab in 2027

Hyderabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has signalled a possible alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, saying the state is set to have a government led by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Speaking at the inauguration and foundation-stone laying ceremony for Delhi Jal Board projects in New Delhi on Thursday, Shah said, “Punjab mein is baar NDA ki sarkar honey jaa rahi hai” (Punjab is set to have an NDA government this time).

His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about bringing the SAD and factions of the Akali Dal back into the BJP-led alliance. The proposed arrangement is expected to be formalised soon, although an official announcement was still awaited.

The BJP and the SAD were long-time allies before parting ways in September 2020, when the Akali Dal withdrew from the NDA over the now-repealed farm laws.

The possibility of a renewed alliance has remained uncertain, with BJP leaders previously indicating that the party was preparing to contest all 117 Assembly seats in Punjab independently. The party has also been seeking to expand its organisational base in the state.

During his address on Thursday, Shah also targeted the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He predicted that the Congress would remain out of power for another 30 years, attributing this to what he called its “negative politics”. He also warned that voters would remove the AAP government from power in Punjab.

The 2027 Assembly election is expected to see the BJP, the SAD, the Congress and the AAP contesting for power, with alliance arrangements likely to shape the electoral contest.