Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon and Sukhbir Badal join forces for anti-drug campaign, sparking Punjab politics buzz

Ferozepur (The Uttam Hindu): The second day of Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's two-day visit to the border district of Ferozepur witnessed significant political developments. The presence of Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal, Dera Beas chief Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, and BJP state president Ashwani Sharma during the anti-drug march has sparked heated discussions in political circles.

On the surface, this program appears to be about raising public awareness against drug abuse, but within the corridors of power, it is also being seen as a sign of the thawing of the ice between the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The appearance of top leaders from both parties on a common platform after a long time is being considered politically significant.

It's worth noting that relations between the two parties soured after the Akali Dal split from the BJP over the issue of the three agricultural laws. Subsequently, the two parties contested the 2022 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections separately, but the results were disappointing for both. Following these electoral defeats, it has become common knowledge that progressing without mutual support in Punjab politics is difficult.

There have been several opportunities for an alliance in the past, but things haven't progressed. Despite leaders like BJP state president Sunil Jakhar and former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh openly advocating for an alliance, no concrete initiatives have been achieved.

The presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the Bhog ceremony following the death of Parkash Singh Badal also sparked speculation about an alliance, but those discussions soon died down. Now, Sukhbir Badal's presence during Governor Gulabchand Kataria's anti-drug march has once again raised new possibilities in Punjab politics.