Former Punjab CM Amarinder Singh says BJP cannot form government alone in state

Former Punjab chief minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Amarinder Singh says the BJP will likely need to rebuild its ties with the Shiromani Akali Dal if it hopes to return to power in the state. Speaking about the party’s prospects, he suggested that forming a government without an alliance would be difficult in Punjab’s current political landscape.

Singh said discussions on seat sharing between the BJP and the Akali Dal had nearly been finalized ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election but fell apart late in the process. He cautioned that if the two parties do not realign, the BJP may need to wait several election cycles to strengthen its base at the grassroots level.

His remarks come at a time when political alliances in Punjab continue to shift, with national and regional parties positioning themselves for upcoming municipal and assembly contests.

Singh also commented on the longstanding issue of Sikh detainees, saying he supports those calling for their release. The matter has been a recurring point of discussion in state politics and among community groups advocating for legal clarity and humanitarian considerations.