BJP To Go Solo In Punjab As Talks With Akali Dal Fail Ahead Of LS Polls

The talks between the BJP and Akali Dal for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls have failed, Times Now reported.

Consequently, the saffron party has opted to contest independently in Punjab. Despite some factions within the BJP advocating for an alliance with the Akali Dal, which is grappling with setbacks following its defeat in the 2022 assembly polls, and leaders in the Akali Dal believing that alliances could rejuvenate the party, discussions have faltered.

Parminder Singh Dhindsa, former finance minister during the SAD-BJP administration, has confirmed the ongoing efforts towards reconciliation between the former allies. Dhindsa indicated that his father, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, is keen on forming an alliance for the advancement of Punjab and its residents.

Nevertheless, negotiations floundered as the BJP sought six seats. "Sukhbir Singh Badal has stated that our alliance is with BSP in Punjab," remarked Akali Dal leader Parambir Singh to the news channel.

It has to be noted that the AAP and Congress are also going solo despite being part of the INDIA bloc.

Punjab has 13 Lok Sabha seats. In the last polls, the Akali Dal had contested 10 seats and won just 2 while its ally BJP had won 2 out of 3 contested seats.

According to The Mood of the Nation survey, the AAP and Congress are anticipated to secure 5 seats each, with the BJP expected to secure 2 seats. Additionally, the AAP is poised to emerge victorious in one seat.

The AAP is forecasted to secure a 27 per cent vote share, while Congress is predicted to garner 38 per cent. The BJP is anticipated to receive 17 per cent, followed by the Shiromani Akali Dal with 14 per cent. The remaining 4 per cent of the vote share is attributed to other parties.

However, the NDA is projected to win 335 seats, with the BJP alone likely to secure 304 seats.