Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has been a pivotal force in Sikh politics, particularly in Punjab. It emerged prominently in the 1946 provincial elections, winning 22 seats and forming a coalition government with the Indian National Congress under Unionist Khizar Hayat Khan Tiwana.
Central to the SAD's ideology are Punjabiyat, Punjabi nationalism, conservatism, and federalism. It champions Sikh rights and heritage while advocating for a moderate approach to regional autonomy and national integration. Recent agendas have focused on farmers' welfare, religious institutions, and preserving regional identity.
A significant development was the SAD's withdrawal from the National Democratic Alliance on 26 September 2020, in protest against the controversial farm bills.
The national capital is set for a massive political face-off on November 1 as the INDIA bloc and the Bharatiya Janata Party take their respective protests to the streets. The opposition alliance plans a march starting from Minto Bridge and culminating at Ramlila Maidan, targeting alleged irregularities in the Special Summary Revision process and demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Left representatives, are scheduled to participate under extensive crowd mobilization efforts. Conversely, the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal condemned the rally's timing, citing the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. In counter-mobilization, the BJP organized a demonstration from Tilak Nagar to Hari Nagar with riot victims and community members. To prevent disruptions, Delhi Police and central forces deployed over 4,000 personnel, AI-enabled CCTV monitoring, and drones along key routes.
Delhi is bracing for a major political face-off on November 1 as the INDIA Bloc and the Bharatiya Janata Party take their battles to the streets. The opposition INDIA Bloc has organised a mega march and rally from Minto Bridge to Ramlila Maidan, demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over alleged irregularities in the Special Summary Revision process. Leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee are slated to attend. Concurrently, the Bharatiya Janata Party is staging a counter-march from Tilak Nagar to Hari Nagar in remembrance of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims, led by leaders including Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal sharply criticised the Congress for holding a political rally during a period of mourning and seva. Delhi Police have cleared the Ramlila Maidan gathering with strict conditions, deploying extensive CCTV coverage, drones, and paramilitary forces.
The Bharatiya Janata Party's Central Election Committee has approved Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha by-election from Madhya Pradesh. The seat fell vacant following the resignation of former Union Minister of State L. Murugan on October 13. Hardeep Singh Puri previously represented Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha and handles the petroleum and natural gas portfolio in the Union Cabinet. The nomination ensures his continuation in the Union Council of Ministers, which requires a minister to secure parliamentary membership within six months. The development also addresses community representation ahead of upcoming assembly elections in Punjab, where the BJP aims to strengthen its political positioning and possible outreach with the Shiromani Akali Dal. Furthermore, the decision reflects the party leadership's trust in Puri's diplomatic experience and handling of energy affairs amid opposition scrutiny.
Alliance discussions between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab have reached the final stages, with a formal announcement expected soon. The seat-sharing formula for the 117-member assembly is nearly finalised, with the BJP likely to contest between 35 and 45 seats while the Akali Dal plays the senior partner. The chief minister's post remains a central point of negotiation. The BJP is seeking a larger share following an 18 per cent vote share in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, compared to the Akali Dal's 13 per cent vote share, marking a significant reset after their 2020 split.
Fresh political signaling from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiromani Akali Dal has reignited speculation regarding a potential reunion ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Fresh political signaling from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiromani Akali Dal has reignited speculation regarding a potential reunion ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. SAD Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed openness to joining hands with like-minded parties while targeting both the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and Congress, recalling the governance and peace under the previous SAD-BJP coalition rule. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah projected the formation of a National Democratic Alliance government in Punjab. The long-standing partnership had snapped in 2020 over the central farm laws after decades of joint governance. Panellists debated the electoral viability and arithmetic of an alliance, highlighting seat-sharing dynamics, past vote-share trends, and issues surrounding law enforcement and the narcotics crisis in the state.
A debate on the potential reunion between long-time allies Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the upcoming Punjab assembly elections. Senior Akali Dal leader and former cabinet minister Maheshinder Singh Grewal indicated that regional political equations necessitate an alliance, stating, 'In politics, no permanent enemies, no permanent friends.' BJP Punjab chief spokesperson Dr S.S. Channi emphasized historical cooperation for communal harmony and development, leaving final decisions to the party high command. Aam Aadmi Party national spokesperson Bikramjit Singh Passi dismissed both parties as having lost credibility in Punjab, asserting that their joint or separate efforts would yield zero results while defending the AAP government's record on law and order and anti-narcotics enforcement. Political analyst Rashid Kidwai noted the structural complexities of seat-sharing and predicted a tightly contested or hung assembly if political alignments shift, highlighting the electoral stakes across Punjab's major political fronts.
Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal has hinted at a potential rapprochement with former ally Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the upcoming Punjab assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Badal stated that the party remains open to allying with like-minded parties, while explicitly branding the Congress Party and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party as the primary enemies of Punjab. The development follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assertion that an NDA government will be formed in the state. An Akali Dal delegation also met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to demand the removal of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over deteriorating law and order, signalling intensifying political manoeuvring in the state.
Tensions have flared in Punjab following the killing of anti-drug voices, prompting the victims' families to demand justice and a Central Bureau of Investigation probe. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Gurdaspur to meet the family of deceased activist Bikramjit Singh, reassuring them of speedy action. The killings of local voices, including Parwinder Singh Chotta and Gulzar Singh, have sparked widespread outrage across the state. Opposition leaders attacked the Aam Aadmi Party government, alleging administrative failure, deteriorating law and order, and shielding of drug cartels. The ruling dispensation was questioned over arm and shop licences issued to accused persons and the Chief Minister's handling of the crisis. Meanwhile, the state government cited cross-border smuggling and supplies from neighbouring states as key factors behind the drug problem, as political parties gear up ahead of future assembly elections.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is visiting Punjab for the second time in twenty days to meet the families of victims affected by the state's drug menace, including slain anti-drug activist Parwinder Jhoota in Mansa, Bikramjit Singh's family in Gurdaspur, and Gurjar's family in Sangrur. Ahead of his visit, Shah accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government of pushing the state into drug addiction and pledged to eradicate the drug trade from Punjab by 31 December 2029. The visit has triggered a sharp political confrontation across parties. The Congress hit back at the Home Minister, alleging that the central government shares equal responsibility for failing to curb cross-border drug smuggling and questioning Shah for remembering Punjab after twelve years. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party accused the BJP of politicising Parwinder Jhoota's death, while Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal wrote to Shah demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the murder.
A panel discussion examines the persistent drug menace in Punjab following the killing of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh in Mansa. Former Punjab DGP Shashi Kant highlighted the nexus between drug smugglers, police, bureaucracy, and politicians, stating, 'Hardly any political party in Punjab has really been serious about it.' Representatives from major political parties traded sharp allegations during the debate. Shiromani Akali Dal senior vice president Maheshinder Singh Grewal defended his party's track record, pointing to border dharnas and asserting the issue stems from an international transit corridor. Congress national spokesperson Arshpreet Khadial demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, pointing out administrative failure and questioning delayed demolitions. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party national spokesperson Bikramjit Passi maintained that the present government has launched an aggressive war against narcotics, noting significant heroin seizures, high conviction rates, and the swift arrest of the Mansa activist's killer. Kant underlined that despite numerous High Court directives, lack of coordinated administrative action persists across successive regimes.
The murder of anti-drug crusader Parvinder Singh Jota in Mansa has triggered widespread public anger and intense political controversy across Punjab.
Alliance discussions between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiromani Akali Dal have intensified ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. An internal survey by the BJP projects that the alliance could secure over 80 seats in the 117-member assembly. However, seat sharing and the chief ministerial face remain key points of contention. The BJP is seeking at least 45 assembly constituencies, expanding beyond its traditional urban footprint into rural belts following an increase in its vote share. Concerns also persist regarding Sukhbir Singh Badal as the chief ministerial face, with reservations over leadership choices as both parties negotiate terms to move beyond past seat arrangements.
Speaking at the conclave, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed key issues facing his administration, political challenges, and the state's upcoming electoral battle. Mann defended his government's governance track record, highlighting key welfare initiatives, including free electricity up to 600 units for domestic consumers, enhanced financial assistance schemes for women, and the setup of Schools of Eminence. Responding to allegations concerning central agency actions following a recent CBI raid at his camp office, Mann dismissed the moves as politically motivated tactics by rivals ahead of elections, asserting, "ये उनका election लड़ने का तरीका है." He vigorously countered allegations regarding Punjab's drug situation, calling it a widespread challenge being fought on the ground rather than solely a Punjab-specific issue. Mann expressed absolute confidence in AAP's electoral strength, predicting the party would surpass its 2022 tally of 92 seats.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed governance, welfare policies, administrative actions, and political developments during Panchayat Aaj Tak Punjab. Detailing his administration's public welfare measures, Mann stated that ninety per cent of households receive zero electricity bills under the six hundred units free power scheme, alongside financial assistance disbursements for women. He highlighted state actions against substance abuse through law enforcement arrests, contraband seizures, and the Kheda Watan Punjab Diyan sports initiative. Addressing governance and integrity, Mann cited the dismissal of three cabinet ministers following misconduct allegations and defended police conduct during university demonstrations. Mann also responded to Central Bureau of Investigation searches at his camp office, stating investigators recovered nothing, while questioning the deployment of central investigative agencies against opposition figures. Outlining the Aam Aadmi Party's electoral strategy, Mann cited infrastructure achievements including fourteen thousand kilometres of canal pipelines, eleven hundred functional Aam Aadmi Clinics, and over seventy thousand government recruitments.
In a media conclave interaction, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann outlined the Aam Aadmi Party's agenda ahead of the assembly elections, asserting that the party will seek votes solely on governance milestones, such as 1,100 functional Aam Aadmi clinics, expanding canal irrigation from 21 percent to 88 percent, and providing over 70,000 government jobs without patronage. Mann targeted Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for frequent visits across Punjab and accused the Congress of severe factionalism among its leadership. He dismissed speculation regarding splits within the Punjab AAP unit, emphasising strong party discipline. Describing the Shiromani Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party understanding through a fable of mutual destruction, Mann expressed complete confidence in halting the BJP's electoral momentum in Punjab. Confidently predicting a landslide, he claimed the party would surpass its previous record of 92 seats out of 117 in the state.
Speaking at the Panchayat Punjab conclave, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann outlined the governance achievements and welfare initiatives implemented by the Aam Aadmi Party government across the state. The administration highlighted that 90 percent of domestic consumers receive zero electricity bills under the 600 units bimonthly free power policy, supported by the acquisition of a private thermal power plant and operationalized coal reserves. Key social welfare measures discussed include direct financial transfers for women, free healthcare and medicines through 1,100 operational Aam Aadmi Clinics, free public bus transit for women, and the setup of Schools of Eminence alongside more than 70,800 government recruitments. Regarding internal governance and law enforcement, Mann cited strict anti-corruption standards that led to the removal of three cabinet ministers, targeted anti-drone and anti-smuggling drives under the Yuddh Nashe Viruddh campaign, and the expansion of 14,000 kilometres of canal water infrastructure for agriculture.
An Assistant Sub-Inspector of the Government Railway Police, Sukhchain Singh, was shot at by three unidentified motorcycle-borne youths in Punjab's Ajnala, Amritsar. The cop sustained a bullet injury to his arm and shoulder and was admitted to the Ajnala Civil Hospital, where his condition is stable. The attack occurred while he was returning from duty out of uniform. Following the shooting, the Shiromani Akali Dal and leader Bikram Singh Majithia slammed the Bhagwant Mann government over rising attacks on police personnel and questioned the state's law and order situation, noting previous fatal attacks on cops in the border area.
A man named Jagga Singh allegedly consumed a poisonous substance outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Punjab's Sangrur district, alleging administrative inaction against local drug peddling. The victim stated he faced threats and assault after posting videos highlighting the drug menace in his village, while the police allegedly ignored his complaints. The incident ignited sharp attacks from the Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal against the Bhagwant Mann-led government, accusing it of failing to tackle the drug mafia and harassing whistleblowers. Meanwhile, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party dismissed the accusations, pointing out that the individual faced several FIRs, including cases under the NDPS Act.
A deepening power crisis in Punjab has severely impacted industries and agriculture, causing an estimated loss of 100 crore rupees to industrial units in the Mohali hub. Factory owners reported receiving only 12 hours of electricity instead of the required 24 hours, alongside frequent unscheduled cuts that severely disrupted manufacturing operations, supply timelines, and machine-dependent processes. The crisis has triggered a sharp political confrontation, with opposition parties including the BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Congress staging protests against the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government. In response to mounting pressure from industrialists and farmers, the Punjab government initiated administrative changes, transferring senior IAS officer Basant Garg and appointing IAS officer Gurkirat Kirpal Singh as the Chief Managing Director of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. State authorities have stated that regular supply measures are being restored.
