Chandigarh: A photograph of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal with senior BJP leaders has gone viral on social media, fuelling speculation about a possible revival of the alliance between the two parties ahead of the 2027 Punjab assembly elections.
The photograph was taken at a wedding reception in Chandigarh for the daughter of BJP national vice-president Manpreet Singh Badal, Sukhbir Badal’s cousin. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, former minister Vijay Sampla and former MLA Jagdeep Nakai are also seen in the picture.
Other BJP leaders present include Jalandhar Rural district president Jagbir Brar, Amritsar Rural district president Amarpal Singh Binu Ajnala and Muktsar district president Kuldeep Singh.
Leaders from various political parties attended the reception. While the gathering was primarily a family occasion, Sukhbir Badal’s photograph with several Punjab BJP leaders has attracted political attention amid ongoing discussions about a possible rapprochement between the two parties.
The SAD and BJP were longstanding allies in Punjab before the Akali Dal ended its alliance in 2020 over the Centre’s now-repealed farm laws. Since then, the parties have contested elections separately, although speculation about a renewed partnership has surfaced periodically.
With the 2027 assembly elections approaching, the photograph has added to the political discussion. However, neither party has made a formal announcement confirming a renewed alliance, and the photograph itself does not establish that a decision has been taken.
