on Tuesday, BJPs state party chief Sunil Jakhar said that the party will run alone in the Punjabi elections for 13 Lok Sabha seats, ending rumors of a potential alliance between the party and its estranged ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). BJP will contest all 13 Lok Sabha Seats in Punjab alone. No alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal, says BJP President Sunil Jakhar.pic.twitter.com/ffP49JeuMi— Vishal Mishra (@vishalbhargav_) March 26, 2024Jakhar on BJP flying solo Jakhar stated that the party made this decision on basis of the inputs of members, leaders and party workers. Emphasizing that the Narendra Modi led administration-has put in a great deal of effort for Punjab and that this work was not being withheld from anyone. Although the Akali Dal has given vague indications about its intention to fly solo following a meeting of its central committee this Friday, the BJP has officially called it quits.BJP in a tough spot!A fundamental ideological difference seems to be the main reason the two parties are not cooperating. The BJPs nationalist rhetoric seems at odds with the Akali Dals pantheistic aim of reaching out to Sikhs. Furthermore, in contrast to 1996, when the Akali Dal and the BJP forged an alliance that lasted for more than 20 years, the party led by Sukhbir Singh Badal established guidelines for a new partnership.Farmers protest might be troublesome for BJPAccording to the party resolution, the Center must keep its word and release all Sikh inmates who have served their full sentences, as well as keep all agreements made with farmers.The party will continue to put principles above politics, and it will never deviate from its historic role as a champion of the interests of Khalsa Panth, all minorities, as well as all Punjabis, the resolution said. As the sole representatives of the Sikhs and of all Punjabis, the party will continue its fight for more powers and genuine autonomy to the states, it added.In 2020, Akali Dal left the NDA due to its support of farmers protests against the Centre. The resolution said that Akali Dal will persist in advocating for farmers and farm laborers.SAD is the largest representative democratic organization of the farmers and has always been in the forefront of fighting for their interests, it said.Bottomline from ElectionsWith the BJP and the Akali Dal opting to stand alone, Punjabs Lok Sabha elections are expected to feature a four-way contest. Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, allies of India, had previously said that they would run independently in Punjab, where their political philosophies diverge.
