Vibha SharmaNew Delhi, Aug. 7 -- Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday has reignited speculation about a possible electoral alliance between the SAD and the BJP - the two historical allies-ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. There was no official statement on the meeting while those close to Badal described it as an informal interaction to discuss the law-and-order situation and the functioning of the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab.
The meeting fuelled fresh speculation that the Akali Dal could once again align with the BJP, its long-time ally, after the two parted ways in September 2020 over the three contentious farm laws, which were...