SAD and BJP deny news of realignment

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal has denied the buzz that his party would rejoin the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

Badal termed the 'news' media speculation, saying he had called his party's district chiefs to discuss the Bhagwant Mann government's 'non-performance' and 'interference' in gurdwara matters.

On queries of journalists in Chandigarh, Badal said, "we have an alliance with BSP. So this question does not arise." He said the party had a routine meeting and discussions were related to increase in VAT and water-related issues. BJP's Punjab in-charge Vijay Rupani too indirectly denied the alliance during his visit to Amritsar. He said BJP would contest all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab and win them.


But SAD insiders said the party core group discussed the possibility of rejoining NDA but leaders advised 'caution'. They said Badal had recently met the PM on completion of posthumous rituals for his father Parkash Badal. Insiders said SAD may seek reassurance on uniform civil code that the party is opposed to and release of Sikh prisoners before taking any decision.