A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, sparking renewed speculation about a possible SAD-BJP alliance for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, the Akali leader on Saturday announced the party’s support for two major constitutional measures before Parliament — the Women’s Reservation Bill and the proposed delimitation exercise.
After a meeting with senior party leaders at his Chandigarh residence, Badal said the Women’s Reservation Bill should be implemented without any delay, with women receiving their rightful share of representation in legislatures at the earliest.
“The Shiromani Akali Dal draws inspiration from the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, who championed the dignity, equality and equal rights of women,” Badal said in a post on X.
He also noted that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee had already set an example by reserving seats for women in its House.
The party additionally supported the Centre’s proposal to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats in every state by 50 per cent, rather than basing delimitation on the 2011 Census.
“The party emphasised that women reservation and Delimitation should be done immediately,” Badal said.
SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema said the party had previously opposed delimitation based on the 2011 Census, but after discussions and deliberations, it had decided to support the Centre’s proposal for a uniform increase in Lok Sabha seats.
He said the party favoured a fair arrangement that would ensure equal representation for all states.
The announcement is important as both measures are among the most contentious issues expected to come up during the remaining part of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
CENTRE LOOKS TO GATHER SUPPORT
The Centre is seeking political backing for legislation that would provide 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures from 2029 and redraw Lok Sabha constituencies, potentially increasing the strength of the House to 816 seats.
Several Opposition parties, particularly those from southern states, have opposed delimitation based on updated population figures. They argue that states such as Tamil Nadu should not lose political representation because of their successful population-control measures.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the proposed exercise was intended to weaken Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament and called on political parties across the country to oppose it.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has rejected reports that the government was considering a special Parliament session from August 16 to 18 to take up the two Bills. However, discussions with political parties are continuing during the ongoing session.
NDA ALLIANCE BUZZ IN PUNJAB
The SAD’s public support for the Centre’s position has added to speculation surrounding political realignment in Punjab.
Badal met PM Modi in Parliament on Friday, reviving talk of a possible reunion between the two former allies. The SAD and BJP had ended their 24-year alliance in 2020 following differences over the now-repealed farm laws.
Asked about speculation regarding a possible alliance, Cheema said, “I can only say that the two leaders have met”.
Reacting to AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal’s comments about a possible SAD-BJP tie-up, Cheema said, “this shows the fear of AAP”.
When asked whether an alliance was being considered, Cheema said, “I just have to say the things that were decided today. My own viewpoint is with the party viewpoint”.
Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon attempted to downplay the significance of the meeting, saying the Prime Minister was available to meet anyone and declining to comment on the possibility of an alliance.
The developments come as Punjab prepares for Assembly elections scheduled for early next year.
Although the BJP has publicly maintained that it intends to contest all 117 Assembly seats independently, the SAD’s announcement on Saturday has introduced another political dimension, with attention now turning to whether the renewed engagement between the two parties ultimately leads to an electoral understanding.
