Alliance or alienation? BJP dichotomy in Akali politics
Shiromani Akali Dal
and the newly formed SAD headed by Giani Harpreet Singh, there is a growing tendency within the former camp to invoke negative references to the 'Centre', 'central forces', and 'agencies' — implicitly pointing to the BJP's alleged involvement.
At the same time, a dichotomy is emerging: while leaders and cadres on both sides appear open to the possibility of a future alliance with the BJP, the broader
Sikh community
remains wary of the saffron party.
Sukhbir's camp is increasing its attacks along these lines, fully aware of the heightened apprehensions among Sikh masses about the saffron party, and is trying to use that sentiment to discredit the rival camp. Against the backdrop of these prevailing apprehensions, it emerged in the 2024 parliament election that Sikh voters even tilted towards Congress to block the BJP.
During the campaign for the 2024 general elections, Sukhbir attacked the BJP, accusing the saffron party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of taking control of important gurdwara bodies outside Punjab. When the SAD suffered a split after the election, his camp blamed the BJP directly, as well as through mentions of 'central forces' or 'agencies', accusing them of plotting to dislodge him. When Baba Harnam Singh Dhumma-led Damdami Taksal sought to put itself at the centre of opposition to the controversial removal of two Takht Jathedars in March, Sukhbir's camp accused him of collusion with the BJP and branded him a "tool of the central govt and agencies".
As Giani Harpreet Singh's camp faces the heat of attacks on these lines, they may also adopt a bitter tone about the BJP, and the shrillness may increase in their statements as well.
Enquiries among leaders and cadres of both camps reflect that they see the possibility of the saffron party forging an alliance with one side. However, people in either camp admit that a considerable section among Sikhs is more apprehensive about the BJP than the Congress.
"The leaders and a section of the cadres are attached to the power structure and they give positive feedback when asked about the prospects of an alliance. Sometimes local-level leaders even push for it. However, the choices of the common Sikh voters are shaped by the larger concerns of the community," said a senior Akali leader.
In such a situation, the competing negative mentions of the BJP or the 'central forces', 'agencies' can add more bitterness for the BJP in the larger community, narrowing the room for an alliance with the BJP or its dividends.
Another considerable factor is the negativity among Sikh farmers, who form the largest support base of the Akali Dal, towards the BJP amid the farm movement. Only AAP's Land Pooling Policy, since withdrawn, led to similar negativity among the farmers.
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