During an event held in Ambala, Haryana, Shah appealed to the people of Punjab to elect a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the state. His shift in wording from referring to a BJP government to an NDA government has attracted political attention and triggered speculation about a possible alliance.
Shah Targets Congress Over MSP and Farmers’ Issues
During his address, Amit Shah raised the issues of Punjab’s farmers and the demand for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP). He said that farmers in Punjab were demanding a legal guarantee for MSP.
Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shah alleged that farmers had received only false assurances in the name of an MSP guarantee.
Referring to the government led by Nayab Singh Saini in Haryana, Shah claimed that the state was purchasing 24 crops at MSP. He subsequently appealed to people to form a BJP government in Punjab but immediately corrected his statement and called for an NDA government instead.
BJP and Akali Dal Remained Allies for Nearly 25 Years
The alliance between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal was established in the mid-1990s. The two parties remained political partners for nearly 25 years.
During their alliance, the Akali Dal enjoyed considerable support among rural communities and farmers, while the BJP was considered to have a stronger presence among urban traders and Hindu voters.
However, in September 2020, differences emerged over the three agricultural laws introduced by the central government. The Akali Dal withdrew from the NDA over the farmers’ protests and its opposition to the agricultural laws.
Later, amid the farmers’ movement, the central government repealed all three agricultural laws.
Electoral Performance Changed Political Equations
In the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, the Akali Dal managed to win only three seats, while the BJP secured two seats.
Their performances also differed in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP failed to win any parliamentary seat in Punjab, whereas the Akali Dal managed to secure victory in the Bathinda constituency.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP recorded approximately 18.5% of the vote share, while the Akali Dal secured around 13%.
These electoral results have presented different political challenges for both parties as they prepare for future elections.
No Official Confirmation Yet on Akali Dal’s Return to NDA
According to BJP Punjab media head Vineet Joshi, the party is preparing to contest all 117 Assembly constituencies in the state.
Meanwhile, a senior party leader has not completely ruled out the possibility of an alliance.
Issues such as MSP and farmers’ welfare remain politically significant in Punjab. In this context, a possible alliance with the Akali Dal could provide the BJP with an opportunity to strengthen its political presence in rural areas.
However, neither the BJP nor the Akali Dal has officially announced any decision regarding a renewed alliance so far.
Amit Shah’s remarks have certainly intensified discussions about possible political realignments in Punjab ahead of the next Assembly elections.
