However, the deviant path this time is due to the saffron party’s confidence in garnering more support riding on the back of Ram Mandir consecration and the pro-development pitch given by PM Modi, according to sources. Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal is learnt to be wary of the alliance in the wake of farmers’ agitation. Besides, they want a resolution of Bandi Singhs as part of the pre poll deal.This will be the first parliamentary polls since 1998, in which both the BJP and SAD will contest separately pitched against each other. In the 2022 assembly polls, the two parties fought separately and suffered major jolts with BJP winning two seats and Akali winning three, while AAP swept 92 seats to become the majority in the 117 member state assembly. Hinting at a break in alliance, SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal had said on March 22nd, “The party will continue to put principles above politics and it will never deviate from it’s historic role as champion of interests of sikh community…All minorities as well as Punjabis. The party will continue to fight for more powers and genuine autonomy to the states.’’
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