Haryana Chief Minister Dismisses Alliance with Akali Dal for 2027 Punjab Polls
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has categorically ruled out any electoral alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for the upcoming 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Speaking to media personnel after addressing a rally at Panjola village in the Sanaur assembly segment near Patiala, Saini asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fully prepared to contest all 117 seats in Punjab independently.
End of Compromises and Focus on Solo Course
The era of old political compromises is decisively over, declared Saini, emphasizing that the BJP would chart a solo course in Punjab's political landscape. He stated, "The BJP is strong enough to stand on its own feet. Our only alliance now is with the people of Punjab and their aspirations for a viksit (developed) state." Saini further claimed that the people of Punjab have made up their mind to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently stood with the state's farmers.
Political Shift and Leadership Disillusionment
Saini revealed that several prominent leaders from various political parties are currently in touch with the BJP leadership. "Many senior leaders are disillusioned with family-driven politics and the AAP government's misgovernance. A massive political shift is coming, and you will soon see big names joining the BJP," he predicted. He linked Punjab's potential recovery from debt and drug crises directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
Open Doors and Criticism of Opposition
Addressing speculation about Navjot Kaur Sidhu potentially returning to the BJP fold, Saini confirmed that the party's doors remain open for all. The Haryana Chief Minister also strongly condemned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for labeling Ravneet Bittu a "traitor," criticizing such political rhetoric.
Rally Highlights and AAP Government Critique
The rally at Panjola village was organized by Satpal Singh Punia, a recent BJP recruit, and formed part of the party's strategic outreach in the Patiala region and the broader Malwa belt. Saini launched a sharp attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of failing to honor key electoral promises. "Women were promised Rs 1,100 per month and the elderly were assured higher pensions, but these guarantees remain only on paper," he charged.
Contrast with Haryana's Development Model
Saini contrasted Punjab's situation with Haryana's achievements, claiming his government has ensured transparent recruitment processes, timely Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement, and direct benefit transfers to farmers without any "chaos or confusion." Pitching what he termed the "Haryana Development Model," Saini noted that despite being Punjab's "younger brother," Haryana now leads in per capita income and farmer welfare metrics.
"The BJP offers a pro-farmer, pro-development agenda and can act as a ‘third engine' for Punjab's growth," he asserted, referencing the party's established "double-engine" governance narrative. On the contentious Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, Saini declined to comment, citing the matter's pending status in the Supreme Court.
Strategic Outreach and Political Observations
Political observers interpret Saini's frequent visits to Punjab—covering Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ghanaur, and now Sanaur—as a concerted effort to rebuild ties with farmers following the 2020-21 protests and to consolidate support among Other Backward Classes (OBC) and rural communities ahead of the 2027 elections. Notably, Saini addressed portions of the rally in Punjabi, underscoring the BJP's attempt to deepen its connection with the state's electorate and demonstrate cultural affinity.
