BJP to contest Punjab polls alone; alliance with Akali Dal ruled out; AAP and Congress take a dig.

BJP to contest Punjab polls alone; alliance with Akali Dal ruled out; AAP and Congress take a dig.

Speculation regarding an alliance between the BJP and the Akali Dal in Punjab has been put to rest. BJP National General Secretary BL Santhosh has categorically ruled out the possibility of an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal in the state. Speaking at a zonal meeting in Patiala, Santhosh stated that the party would contest all 117 Assembly seats in Punjab. Following his statement, BJP State President Kewal Singh Dhillon also clarified that there is absolutely no question of an alliance with the Akali Dal. He asserted that the BJP would enter the electoral fray on its own strength and take on the Akali Dal, as well as the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party. The BJP’s announcement to contest the elections solo has added an intriguing dimension to the political landscape in Punjab, where the contest now appears set to be a four-cornered battle.