Sanjay Bhatia rules out BJP-SAD alliance in Punjab

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BJP National General Secretary speaks during Nasha Mukt Yatra in Patiala

Patiala, September 29

BJP National General Secretary and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Bhatia on Tuesday said the party was preparing to contest the Punjab Assembly elections on its own, while describing speculation about a possible alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) as potentially a political tactic.

Speaking to reporters during the BJP’s Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra in Patiala city, Bhatia said there was no alliance at present and claimed that the party’s workers in Punjab did not favour a tie-up with the SAD.

He said the possibility of alliance-related statements being circulated by the SAD could be a political strategy to keep its workers together. The BJP, he said, was preparing to enter the electoral field independently.

The remarks come amid continued public discussion over a possible revival of the BJP-SAD alliance ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. The BJP has previously indicated that it intends to contest the state polls independently. 

Bhatia also spoke about the BJP’s anti-drug campaign, saying the party was committed to working towards eliminating drug abuse in Punjab. He said public participation against drugs was increasing.

He claimed that farmers in Punjab were also ready to support the BJP, referring to the withdrawal of the three farm laws and measures taken by the Centre to address farmers’ concerns.

On ongoing protests and disputes at universities in Punjab, Bhatia attributed the developments to drug abuse, saying substance use causes people to lose awareness of relationships and social responsibilities.

Punjab BJP Mahila Morcha president Jai Inder Kaur, who was also present, referred to the Supreme Court’s acceptance of a fact-finding committee report concerning alleged irregularities in Municipal Corporation elections. She said detailed orders were expected within two days and claimed that elections would be held afresh in around 32 wards.

The Supreme Court had earlier ordered a fact-finding exercise into disputed municipal election-related issues in Punjab. 

Farmers welcomed the BJP’s yatra in Patiala by carrying paddy crops, while BJP leaders Karan Kaura and Maninder Pal Minta thanked those who attended the programme.