Rift in Punjab BJP Over 2027 Alliance

Punjab  As political gears begin to turn ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) finds itself embroiled in internal conflict over the crucial question of alliances. The source of contention? A potential tie-up with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the party that once shared a long-standing partnership with the BJP in the state.

Senior BJP leader and Punjab party president Sunil Jakhar has reignited the debate by advocating for a renewed alliance with the Akali Dal. Jakhar argues that in order to strengthen BJP’s foothold in Punjab—a state where the party has traditionally played a secondary role—partnering with the Akali Dal is not just strategic, but necessary. “A united front against the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress will serve the interest of Punjab. Our fight is not just political, but ideological,” Jakhar stated during a recent press interaction in Chandigarh.

However, not everyone in the Punjab BJP shares his sentiment. Ashwani Sharma, another senior BJP leader and former Punjab president, has made it clear that the party should go solo in the 2027 elections. He categorically rejected the idea of an alliance, stating, “We must contest all 117 assembly seats alone. The BJP is capable of building its own base and projecting a strong identity without relying on old partners.”

This divergence in views has opened up visible cracks within the state unit of the BJP. While Jakhar’s remarks are seen as an attempt to revive an alliance that collapsed in 2020 over the contentious farm laws, Sharma and his faction believe that the future of BJP in Punjab lies in independence and grassroots outreach rather than old equations.

Political analysts note that the rift indicates a larger strategic confusion within the BJP about its role in Punjab politics post the end of its decades-old alliance with SAD. The fallout had created a political vacuum for the party, which has since been trying to establish a standalone identity in the state’s complex political landscape dominated by regional and religious factors.

At the center of the debate is the question: Can BJP grow independently in Punjab, or does it still need an alliance to remain relevant? The answer may shape not just the BJP’s future in Punjab, but also affect national political calculations in the run-up to the 2029 general elections.

While Delhi leadership has yet to issue a formal stance on the matter, insiders suggest that central BJP leaders are closely watching the developments. A decision on alliances is expected to be made after evaluating the party’s grassroots strength and the response of the Punjabi electorate over the next year. For now, the debate remains unresolved, but one thing is clear—Punjab BJP is at a political crossroads, and the path it chooses could significantly reshape the political map of the state.