The possibility of a renewed alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is back in focus after the recent Ludhiana West bypoll. With the BJP finishing third and the SAD fourth, party leaders and analysts believe a united front could have significantly improved their performance.
Middle-level leaders in both parties have long advocated for a re-alliance, saying that together they could become a strong political force in Punjab. However, disagreements over seat-sharing remain the biggest hurdle.
In the Ludhiana bypoll, the BJP received 20,323 votes and the SAD got 8,203. Combined, this total would have placed them in second position. BJP leaders also believe that campaigning together could have attracted even more votes.
BJP state president Sunil Jakhar admitted that an alliance would have made a difference. However, he stressed that the BJP would not accept a junior role. “The old formula of 23 seats for BJP and 94 for SAD doesn’t work anymore. It must be at least equal,” he said. Jakhar also claimed the BJP is now the main alternative in Punjab, securing around 22% of the votes in the bypoll.
He added that the BJP is open to an alliance—but only with a credible Panthic party approved by the Akal Takht. This statement appears to leave the door open not only for SAD but also for rebel Akali factions, sending a message that the BJP respects the authority of the Akal Takht, especially as the SAD has recently been at odds with it.
SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema acknowledged the potential of a renewed alliance. “Yes, the numbers suggest we could have performed better together. But alliances are not just about numbers. There are important issues that need to be discussed and resolved,” he said.
This bypoll was the first major test for SAD after recent controversies, including the Tankhah (religious punishment) given to its top leaders by the Akal Takht. The issue continues to create internal tensions, as rebel Akalis push forward with their own membership campaigns.
Despite finishing fourth, Cheema pointed out that the SAD’s vote share in Ludhiana West increased slightly—from about 8% to 9.1%.
While no decisions have been made, the bypoll results have clearly revived talks about a possible SAD-BJP alliance. Whether this will materialize before the 2027 Assembly elections remains to be seen.
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