SAD-BJP ALLIANCE TALKS HALTED DUE TO FARMERS' PROTESTS

Initial talks failed as SAD was not happy with the proposed seat distribution.

- RAHUL GAHLAWAT

After the breakdown of the SAD-BSP alliance in Punjab, talks about Shiromani Akali Dal’s inclusion in the BJP-led NDA are going on. However, the ongoing protests by Punjab-based farmers against the BJP-led government at the Center have created uncertainties in the alliance talks between the saffron party and its longtime ally, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). While discussions for a pre-Lok Sabha election alliance were progressing, focusing on seat distribution, the farmers’ protests, crucial for Punjab’s vote bank, have prompted SAD to request more time. Insiders from both parties have revealed that the initial round of discussions between their leaders occurred in the last week of January, and it is anticipated that another round will take place shortly.