The BJP will contest the Lok Sabha polls alone in Punjab and not in alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal, state party chief Sunil Jakhar said on Tuesday.
In a post on X, Jakhar stated that the decision was taken based on the party's opinion of the people and the party workers in Punjab. He stated that the decision has been taken to ensure the betterment of the youth, farmers, businessmen, labourers, and the backward classes in Punjab.
BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa also commented on the seat sharing in Punjab for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls saying "The party has decided that we will contest all 13 seats on our own.We want to remain in direct contact with the people of Punjab.We are sure, PM Modi will win in Punjab also."
Jakhar also stated that every grain was purchased at Minimum Support Price from the farmers and the money had reached their accounts within weeks. He also mentioned the Kartarpur corridor, and stated that it although the people had been requesting for it for decades, it could only be made possible by PM Modi.
Responding to BJP's decision to go solo, Sukhbir Singh Badal stated: "Akali Dal is not an ordinary party, it is a party of principles. It does not do politics of numbers game. Principles are more important for us."
The Akali Dal president also stated, "We know Punjab is important for us. We do not do vote politics, Delhi parties do vote politics."
The Kartarpur Corridor allows Indians to visit the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara, located just across the Pakistan border without any visa requirement.
Sunil Jakhar, former Punjab Congress President joined BJP in the presence of President J P Nadda in May, 2022.
As per the Election Commission's schedule, polling in Punjab will be held on June 1 for 13 seats.
(With inputs from Aseem Bassi)