No Alliance Talks With SAD, BJP’s Tie-Up Is With Punjab People: Saini

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday ruled out the possibility of an alliance between the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, dismissing speculation triggered by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to mediapersons after releasing monthly assistance to beneficiaries under various schemes in Haryana, Saini was asked about the meeting between Modi and Badal in Delhi last Friday and the possibility of the two former allies joining hands again.

Responding in Punjabi, Saini said, “Nahi, aise koyi gall nahi hai” (No, there is no such thing).

Saini said the Prime Minister’s doors were open to everyone and that political leaders and parties regularly met him to discuss various issues. He maintained that Badal’s meeting with Modi should not be viewed as an indication of any political alliance.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party’s alliance is with the people of Punjab,” Saini said, expressing confidence that the BJP would form the next government in the state.

His remarks come amid growing political speculation over a possible BJP-SAD rapprochement ahead of the Punjab polls, which are scheduled to be held early next year. The possibility of a patch-up has also drawn criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress, which have targeted both parties over the speculation.

Saini alleged that the Congress and subsequently the AAP had made several promises to the people of Punjab but had “exploited” them after coming to power. He claimed that voters had now realised that only a “double-engine” government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi could strengthen Punjab and ensure its development.

The Haryana chief minister has in recent months made frequent visits to Punjab, attending political, religious, cultural and social events and meeting community and religious leaders.

The SAD had walked out of the BJP-led NDA in 2020 over differences surrounding the now-repealed farm laws.