Amit Shah Indicates Formal Return of BJP-Akali Partnership Ahead of Punjab Polls

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has strongly indicated the formal return of an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), stating that Punjab is poised to have a government led by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
 

The remarks came during the launch of development projects in Delhi, where Shah suggested that political realignments in Punjab were nearing completion. His statement is being viewed as a significant indication that a formal alliance between the BJP, the Shiromani Akali Dal, and Akali splinter groups may be announced soon.
 

Addressing the gathering, Shah said, “Punjab mein is baar NDA ki sarkar honey jaa rahi hai” (Punjab this time is set to have an NDA government).
 

The statement comes amid ongoing discussions regarding a political understanding between the BJP, the Shiromani Akali Dal, and certain Akali factions. According to reports, nominees of alliance partners are expected to contest elections on each other’s symbols as part of the proposed arrangement.
 

Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has been among the strongest advocates of a BJP-Akali alliance ahead of the upcoming elections. Political discussions between the parties have reportedly been taking place for an extended period.
 

Shah Targets Congress and AAP
 

During his speech, Shah also launched sharp attacks on both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
 

Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shah alleged that claims regarding “vote theft” were intended to protect what he described as the vote bank of infiltrators. He also criticized the Congress for questioning the neutrality of the Election Commission whenever it loses elections.
 

According to Shah, the Congress accepts the Election Commission’s decisions when it wins but raises objections when electoral outcomes go against it.
 

He further predicted that the Congress would remain out of power for decades if it continued what he called “negative politics,” asserting that the party's prospects would remain weak in future elections.
 

Shah also targeted AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of relying on agitation politics while failing to resolve key civic challenges during his tenure in Delhi.
 

Referring to Punjab politics, Shah claimed that voters would deliver a strong response to AAP and remove its government from power in the state.
 

Focus on Delhi Development Projects
 

The political remarks were made alongside the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony of 43 Delhi Jal Board projects worth Rs 8,941 crore.
 

The projects are aimed at strengthening wastewater treatment facilities, improving drinking water infrastructure, and supporting the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River.
 

Shah described the initiatives as the backbone of efforts to clean the Yamuna and stated that they represent more than 40 per cent of the progress toward achieving that goal.
 

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had convened a major meeting within the first month of the Delhi government’s formation to present a roadmap for cleaning the river to both the Delhi government and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
 

Crediting Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Minister Pravesh Verma for their efforts, Shah said the projects would significantly improve water management and environmental infrastructure in the national capital.
 

The Home Minister added that the large-scale investments mark an important step toward wastewater treatment, drinking water improvement, and the long-term restoration of the Yamuna.