Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal meets PM Modi, raising speculation on SAD-BJP alliance
Sukhbir Singh Badal of the Shiromani Akali Dal met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sparking speculation about a potential revival of the SAD-BJP alliance ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Both parties remain cautious, but political observers suggest the meeting signals a possible strategic realignment.
Why it matters
A potential reunion between these former allies could significantly alter the political landscape in Punjab and impact the strength of the NDA coalition.
With Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (August 7, 2026), speculation about the possibility of an alliance between the old partners (SAD-BJP) has once again taken center stage ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly election.
Mr. Badal met the Prime Minister at his office in the Parliament House complex in New Delhi, according to sources familiar with the meeting. Even as leaders from both parties remained tight-lipped about the deliberations, the speculation was rife that the two parties could join hands again.
Senior party leader Daljit Cheema declined to comment on the alliance for now, stating only that talks had taken place. “The leaders have met, that’s all,” Mr. Cheema told The Hindu.
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