Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal triggered fresh speculation about a possible SAD-BJP alliance for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, the Akali leader on Saturday announced the party’s support for two key constitutional measures before Parliament — the Women’s Reservation Bill and the proposed delimitation exercise.
Following a meeting of senior party leaders at his Chandigarh residence, Badal said the Women’s Reservation Bill should be implemented without delay and that women must receive their share of representation in legislatures at the earliest.
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“The Shiromani Akali Dal draws inspiration from the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, who championed the dignity, equality and equal rights of women,” Badal said in a post on X.
He added that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee had already set an example by providing reservation for women in its House.
The party also backed the Centre’s proposal for a uniform 50 per cent increase in Lok Sabha seats for all states, instead of linking delimitation to the 2011 Census. “The party emphasised that women reservation and Delimitation should be done immediately,” Badal said.
SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema said the party had earlier opposed delimitation based on the 2011 Census, but after deliberations it decided to support the Centre’s proposal for a uniform expansion of seats.
He said the party wanted a fair arrangement that ensured equal representation for all states.
The announcement is significant because the two measures are among the most contentious issues likely to be taken up during the remainder of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
CENTRE LOOKS TO GATHER SUPPORT
The Centre is attempting to build support for legislation providing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures from 2029 and for redrawing Lok Sabha constituencies, which could increase the House strength to 816.
Several Opposition parties, particularly from southern India, have opposed a delimitation exercise linked to updated population figures, arguing that states such as Tamil Nadu should not be penalised for successfully implementing population control measures.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the exercise was designed to weaken Tamil Nadu’s voice in Parliament and urged parties across the country to oppose it.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has denied reports that a special session of Parliament from August 16 to 18 was being considered for the two bills, but consultations with political parties are continuing during the ongoing session.
NDA ALLIANCE BUZZ IN PUNJAB
The Akali Dal’s open endorsement of the Centre’s position has intensified political speculation in Punjab.
Badal met PM Modi in Parliament on Friday, reviving discussion about a possible reunion of the two former allies, who ended their 24-year partnership in 2020 over the now-repealed farm laws.
Asked about the alliance speculation, Cheema said, “I can only say that the two leaders have met”.
Responding to questions on AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal’s remarks on a possible tie-up, he said, “this shows the fear of AAP”.
On whether an alliance was under consideration, Cheema added, “I just have to say the things that were decided today. My own viewpoint is with the party viewpoint”.
Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon sought to play down the meeting, saying the Prime Minister was available to meet anyone and declining to comment on a possible alliance.
The developments come as Punjab prepares for Assembly elections due early next year.
While the BJP has publicly maintained that it is preparing to contest all 117 seats on its own, Saturday’s announcement by the SAD has added a new political dimension, and attention is now likely to remain focused on whether the renewed engagement between the two parties eventually translates into an electoral understanding.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
