India is all set to undergo Lok Sabha Elections 2024 from April 20, however, the BJP and SAD talks over the alliance in Punjab are yet to be finalised. As a result, the BJP and even the SAD are yet to announce their full candidates list who will be fighting the General Elections 2024 in Punjab. SAD broke its 24-year-old alliance with BJP in Punjab after the saffron party passed three farm laws that were termed controversial and anti-farmer. However, with PM Modi rolling back the three farm laws, the alliance talks between the BJP and SAD came on track again. However, BJP-SAD alliance talks went into a deadlock after farmers protest 2.0 took place over multiple demands including a legal guarantee on MSP. Sukhbir Badal recently called a core committee meeting of SAD and it was expected that the party may put a stamp on their alliance with the BJP. However, Sukhbir Badal's firm stance may end SAD-BJP alliance talks on a negative term.
It is pertinent to mention here that True Scoop News before SAD's core committee meeting revealed that Sukhbir Badal is not interested in the SAD-BJP alliance for Lok Sabha Polls 2024. After the core committee meeting, SAD reportedly passed a resolution hinting that the party might go alone in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Sukhbir Badal in the resolution reportedly maintained 'the party’s principles are over politics' and it sought to resolve the issues concerning Punjab and the Sikhs as a condition for an alliance with the BJP, hinting that 'no alliance was possible at this stage.'
Now, the question arises what are the issues in Punjab that have drawn a line between the BJP and the SAD? Below is what we know-
As per reports, Sukhbir Badal has laid down some terms and conditions if the BJP wants an alliance with SAD. As per reports, SAD wants the Centre to honour its written commitment for the release of 'Bandi Singhs' who had completed their terms and fulfillment of the promises made to farmers, farm labourers and stop interference in the religious affairs and institutions of the panth.
SADs' resolution reportedly stated, "We strongly condemn the conspiracies to break the SGPC by setting up a separate gurdwara committee for Haryana. We also condemn attempts to usurp control of the DSGMC, Takhat Hazur Sahib, Nanded, and Takht Patna Sahib."
Apart from this, sources suggest that the SAD wants to revoke the UAPA section that has been imposed on Pro Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh. Amritpal Singh is currently in Jail and facing serious charges. Furthermore, SAD's resolution reportedly condemned the demolition and demanded allotment of the land for the construction of the Guru Ravidas Temple in New Delhi. It also opposed cases against Punjabis and Sikhs under the NSA as unconstitutional.
Furthermore, as per sources, a Punjab-based man is involved directly in the talks and he does not want the BJP-SAD alliance. It is said that he is quite close to Sukhbir Badal.
Revoking UAPA from Pro Khalistan elements, especially from Amritpal Singh goes against the Principles of the BJP. Therefore, the Saffron party may scrap their alliance talks due to this.
It is pertinent to mention here that speculations were intensified that SAD & BJP may reach a consensus after Union Home Minister Amit Shah in an interview with a portal stated that a round of negotiations is currently going on between both parties. At the same time, Shah claimed that this time the party will be strong in Punjab also.