BJP, SAD discuss Punjab alliance, seat-sharing and Akali faction's entry

New Delhi: Seat-sharing and the possible inclusion of the splinter Akali Dal faction, SAD (Punar Surjit), have emerged as the two key issues in ongoing discussions between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) over a possible alliance in Punjab, people aware of the talks said.

The BJP may get around 45 assembly seats, significantly more than the 23 seats it traditionally contested under its previous alliance with the SAD. The Akali Dal is understood to be open to giving the BJP a larger share while seeking to retain its position as the senior partner in any eventual arrangement.

Some leaders in the BJP's top leadership are also in favour of bringing SAD (Punar Surjit) into the proposed alliance. However, the Akali Dal has reservations about conceding seats to the faction and would prefer that any accommodation for Punar Surjit be made from the BJP's quota. One formula under discussion is for the BJP to allocate some of its allotted seats to Punar Surjit, thereby limiting the impact on the SAD's share.


SAD (Punar Surjit) is led by former Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and comprises several leaders with a Panthic background.