BJP to go solo in 2027 polls, rules out tie-up with Akali Dal
March 17, 2026: Amit Shah has announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party will contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections independently, signalling a clear break from its long-standing alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Addressing a rally in Moga, Shah declared that the BJP would no longer remain a “chhota bhai” (junior partner) in state politics and would instead aim to form its own government. He urged voters to give the party a chance after years of governance by the Indian National Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, and the Akali Dal.
Highlighting the BJP’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Shah cited a 19% vote share in Punjab as a foundation for future growth. He also promised that an anti-conversion law would be introduced within a month if the party comes to power, invoking the legacy of Sikh Gurus.
Taking aim at the state government led by Bhagwant Mann, Shah accused him of prioritising Arvind Kejriwal over Punjab’s interests. He further pledged to eliminate the drug problem in the state within two years if elected.
The move marks the end of a decades-long alliance between the BJP and the Akali Dal, which collapsed in 2020 over the contentious farm laws. The BJP is now positioning itself as a standalone force in Punjab’s evolving political landscape.