Sukhbir Badal Opens Door to Alliances with Parties Sharing SAD’s Ideology

Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh on Friday, Sukhbir Singh Badal – the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) – made it clear that his party is ready to sit at the table with anyone who shares its core values. “The Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress are the biggest enemies of Punjab,” he said, his tone leaving little room for ambiguity.

Badal’s remarks come as the state gears up for assembly elections slated for early next year. He reminded the crowd that during the SAD‑BJP coalition’s tenure, Punjab enjoyed a period of relative peace and witnessed growth in infrastructure, industry, and even achieved a power‑surplus status. “Whether we form the government or not, we will keep fighting for the people of Punjab,” he added.

Just before the press conference, a SAD delegation met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. The meeting, according to Badal, centered on the “incompetent” performance of the current chief minister, Bhagwant Mann, and the tragic killing of anti‑drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. The delegation handed over a memorandum demanding Mann’s dismissal, citing a breakdown in law and order.

When asked about potential partners, Badal didn’t name any specific parties. Instead, he said SAD is open to a “tie‑up” with any formation that agrees with the party’s ideology and programme. “There are many other parties besides the Congress and AAP. Those who align with the Akali Dal’s principles can approach us,” he said.

The statement also drew a quick reaction from Haryana’s chief minister, who downplayed speculation about a fresh SAD‑BJP alliance. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking in Delhi the day before, reiterated the central government’s willingness to work with any stable government in Punjab, though he stopped short of endorsing any specific coalition.

As the election calendar tightens, the political chessboard in Punjab is reshuffling. With SAD signaling openness to new partners while keeping a firm stance against the two dominant rivals, the coming months are set to witness intense negotiations, strategic posturing, and, perhaps, an unexpected partnership that could reshape the state’s power dynamics.