BJP Punjab State unit chief Sunil Jakhar on Tuesday announced that the saffron party will be fighting Lok Sabha Elections 2024 alone in the state. Sunil Jakhar's announcement came after days of multiple rounds of alliance talks between the BJP and SAD to fight the Lok Sabha Election 2024 in Punjab together. It means, the alliance talks between BJP and SAD failed to reach a consensus and therefore, the saffron party will now be contesting the General Elections in Punjab on all 13 seats. Now, the question arises why did BJP & SAd fail to reach any consensus despite holding multiple rounds of talks? Below is the inside story-
Why did BJP-SAD alliance talks fail?
The answer is the principles of both parties. As per sources in the known development, the BJP remained adamant about not compromising with its nationalist principles, on the other hand, Sukhbir Badal-led SAD maintained the party won't join hands until the Centre assures to fulfill its demands. SAD called the core committee's meeting on March 22 and passed a resolution hinting that the party might go alone in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Finally, the BJP also called its election meeting and put a stamp that it will go solo in Punjab. Now, the question arises what were the demands that SAD put forward to the BJP? Below is what we know so far-
Sukhbir Badal laid down some terms and conditions if the BJP wants an alliance with SAD. As per reports, SAD wanted the Centre to honour its written commitment for the release of 'Bandi Singhs' who had completed their terms and fulfilled 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 suggested that the SAD wanted to revoke the UAPA section that had 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.
Revoking UAPA from Pro Khalistan elements, especially from Amritpal Singh goes against the Principles of the BJP. Therefore, the Saffron party could not reach any consensus with SAD.
It is pertinent to mention here that sources in the known development had suggested that many SAD leaders were in favour of joining hands with the BJP for the Lok Sabha Elections. However, Sukhbir Badal's stern stance on the party's principle issues botched up the parley.
What did Sunil Jakhar say on BJP-SAD alliance talks fail?
Releasing his video on X, Sunil Jakhar said, "We took this call after wide consultations with the people, party leaders and workers. The decision is aimed at a bright future of Punjab's youth, farmers, traders, backward classes. The works done for Punjab under prime minister Narendra Modi's leadership are evident. In the last ten years every grain of produce by Punjab farmers has been procured and fair MSP sent to the bank accounts of farmers within a week."
"The decision has been take in the interest of a safe and secure border state of Punjab and I am sure people will support the BJP in the June 1 election," added Jakhar.