Bharatiya Janata Party plans larger seat share in potential Shiromani Akali Dal alliance

The Bharatiya Janata Party is signaling a potential renewed alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal, with sources indicating that the <b>ruling party</b> will contest a substantially higher number of seats in Punjab than its previous arrangement. Previously, the party contested 23 seats in the 117-member assembly before ties ended in 2020 over farm laws. Party sources stated the final alliance announcement will arrive at an opportune time, alongside the inclusion of a breakaway Akali faction. The Bharatiya Janata Party recorded over 18 percent vote share in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, outpacing the regional outfit as the political landscape shifts across Punjab.