Sukhbir Singh Badal

Old allies SAD and BJP in talks again after 2020 breakup but seat-sharing remains the biggest hurdle

Speculation over a possible BJP–Shiromani Akali Dal reunion ahead of Punjab’s 2027 Assembly elections has intensified after Amit Shah’s remarks about an NDA government coming to power. Sources in both camps reportedly acknowledge ongoing backchannel discussions, even as Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon says the party is preparing to contest all 117 Assembly seats.

The Enforcement Directorate’s prolonged searches at Punjab’s GMADA offices have triggered a political confrontation between the AAP government and the BJP-led Centre, with allegations over land deals, reserve prices and the alleged role of Delhi AAP leaders.

AAP has suspended Maur MLA Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana after he raised concerns about teacher shortages in government schools attended by his children. The party disputes his allegations and cites school records showing 25 of 30 sanctioned teaching posts were filled. The controversy has intensified opposition criticism of the Bhagwant Mann government ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

BJP-SAD alliance discussions were reported in August 2026, including a proposed 70-47 seat formula, but Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon and BJP in-charge Satish Poonia subsequently said the BJP would contest all 117 Assembly seats on its own. No final alliance or seat-sharing agreement has been announced.

LPU violence has triggered a political debate in Punjab over student safety, law and order and the government's response. While opposition leaders have made allegations about political involvement and outsiders, Punjab Police has subsequently identified people carrying walkie-talkies as Indian Army personnel. With the SIT investigation continuing, the verified findings will be important in determining the facts behind the unrest.

A tragic incident in Telangana has sparked anger among State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employees after a 24-year-old woman bus conductor, Gundla Pravalika, died following an alleged attack by a passenger. The conductor, who was seriously injured after being pushed out of a moving bus during an argument over ticket change, succumbed to her injuries after nearly ten days of treatment.

Karnataka's latest bus fare hike has triggered a political controversy across the state, with opposition parties strongly criticising the Congress government over the increased financial burden on ordinary passengers. The revised fares for state-run transport corporations have come into effect from midnight on November 4, making bus journeys more expensive for thousands of daily commuters.