Saini dismisses SAD reunion talk, says BJP’s alliance is with Punjab’s people

While Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal’s support for both Women’s Reservation Bill and delimitation after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked intense speculation about a patch-up with the BJP ahead of the Punjab assembly elections next year, Nayab Singh Saini has ruled out any such possibility.

The Haryana chief minister on Monday (August 10) ruled out any such possibility, saying his party’s alliance is with the people of Punjab. Requested for a comment on the speculation, Saini replied in Punjabi, “Nahi, aise koyi gall nahi hai (No, there is no such thing).”

Saini said the prime minister is “the voice of 140 crore people”. “If anyone wants to meet him, his doors are open; anyone can meet him. Political parties keep meeting him over various issues.” He added, “The BJP’s alliance is with the people of Punjab. And I say this with great confidence because I meet people there. In Punjab, the BJP is forming its government.”

SAD, BJP deny rumours

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) left the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) six years ago, citing differences over the three farm laws, which now stand repealed. Before that, it was in alliance with BJP for 24 years.

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However, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal met PM Modi in Delhi on Friday (August 7) and publicly demanded immediate implementation of both the controversial Women’s Reservation Bill and the proposed delimitation exercise, leaving political circles abuzz with talks of a patch-up with the BJP ahead of the Assembly polls scheduled to be held early next year.

Both the SAD and the BJP have denied the possibility of a tie-up so far.

Saini’s Punjab visits

Saini, on his part, has been frequently visiting neighbouring Punjab to attend political, spiritual, cultural, religious and other events over the past few months, and also meeting prominent religious leaders and also engaging with local communities.

However, he expressed surprise that the meeting had led to such a speculation. He alleged that earlier the Congress and later the AAP had made tall promises to the people of Punjab, but only “exploited” them when they came to power. Both parties have been targeting the BJP as well as SAD ever since the buzz started.

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“The people of Punjab have understood that only the double-engine government can make Punjab strong and work for their welfare, take the state forward and no one else can do it. People have made up their mind that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we will form the government,” Saini said.

(With agency inputs)