New Delhi, Aug. 8 -- Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, sparking speculation that the former allies could join hands again for the Punjab Assembly elections due early next year.

Akali Dal had cut ties with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) six years ago, citing differences over the three farm laws, which now stand repealed.

Badal met PM Modi at his office in the Parliament House complex on Friday, according to news agency PTI.

While political circles were abuzz with talks of a tie-up, Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon sought to downplay the meeting.

"Any senior leader can meet the PM. Sukhbir Singh Badal was the deputy CM. I am happy that he must have spoken fo...