Now Reading: Shah predicts NDA win in Punjab, sparks SAD alliance talk
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Shah predicts NDA win in Punjab, sparks SAD alliance talk
The Story in Brief
Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday, 29 October, predicted an NDA government in Punjab in the 2027 assembly election, reigniting speculation about a BJP-Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) reunion. Speaking at a New Delhi event, Shah said, ‘Punjab ki janta ne is baar tai kar liy hai, is baar vahan NDA ki sarkar hone wali hai’, referring to his 20 October visit to the state and asserting that the ruling AAP would be wiped out.
Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon denied any alliance move, saying the party is prepared to contest all 117 seats. However, a senior Punjab BJP functionary said the signal was clear and that both parties should have announced an alliance early.
Separately, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday, 23 October, hinted his party might rejoin the NDA for the elections in early 2027. After meeting Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, he called AAP and Congress ‘main political opponents’ and said SAD is ready to align with like-minded parties.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Times of India leads with Shah's declaration and frames it as a clear signal of a BJP-SAD reunion, while noting Dhillon's denial and the functionary's view that an announcement is late. India TV's report focuses on Badal's hint, presenting his meeting with the governor and his description of AAP and Congress as main rivals, without mentioning Shah's remarks or the BJP's denial. The two reports together suggest both parties are signalling a possible alliance, though neither has confirmed it. The BJP side emphasises contesting all 117 seats, while SAD's leader speaks of aligning with like-minded parties. The timing of any formal announcement, possibly to be made by BJP national president Nitin Nabin, remains the key open point.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report), indiatvnews.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
