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Shiromani Akali Dal Open to Alliance, But Won't Partner Congress or AAP

The Shiromani Akali Dal has clarified its stance on coalition politics, ruling out alliances with Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party. Party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said the outfit remains open to partnerships with ideologically aligned political formations.

LSN India · 23 October 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal Open to Alliance, But Won't Partner Congress or AAP

The Shiromani Akali Dal has drawn a clear line on its coalition strategy, declaring it will not partner with Congress or the Aam Aadmi Party in future electoral alliances.

Party president Sukhbir Singh Badal made the announcement following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent claims about the National Democratic Alliance's prospects in Punjab. The move signals the SAD's intent to chart an independent political course while remaining open to selective partnerships.

"We are prepared to form alliances with other political parties that share our ideological outlook," Badal stated, effectively shutting the door on two of Punjab's major political players. The position reflects the party's attempt to carve out distinctive political space ahead of future electoral contests in the state.

The SAD, a traditional BJP ally, has faced significant electoral challenges in recent years. The party's clarification on alliance partners suggests it is recalibrating its political strategy while maintaining its broader ideological alignment with the NDA framework.