Sukhbir Badal meets PM Modi amid speculation over Punjab alliance

Sukhbir Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, reigniting speculation about a renewed SAD‑BJP alliance ahead of Punjab's 2027 state elections. The meeting, held at the Prime Minister's office, was brief but was reported by The Times of India and The Indian Express. SAD and BJP formed a coalition government in Punjab from 2017 to 2022, after which they contested the 2022 election separately, with SAD losing all seats. Since then, both parties have hinted at possible cooperation to counter the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress. Neither leader confirmed an alliance, but both said they discussed Punjab's development challenges, including agriculture, water and employment. Modi praised SAD's role in representing Sikh interests, while Badal thanked the central government for support to farmers. Opposition parties have called the meeting a political maneuver. Analysts say a renewed tie could reshape vote calculations in rural constituencies, while voters may weigh national versus regional priorities. The next steps depend on formal talks and a public announcement before the election schedule is finalised.