SAD makes shrewed move by unilateral decision to continue alliance with BJP

By Satinder Bains
CHANDIGARH: The core committee of Shiromani Akali Dal which met here on Friday under the chairmanship of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal in a shrewed move unilateraly decided to continue alliance with BJP till the time of MC elections in December 2014.

The decision taken by SAD core committee is surprising since neither the BJP has so far announced to break up the alliance or nor it was matter of debate whether alliance should continue till MC elections. The BJP has not yet given its mind to break up allinace with SAD before or after the MC elections.

It seems that SAD has has made a smart bid to shift the onus of breaking alliance on to BJP by expressing its desire to continue the alliance. The relations between SAD and BJP have been strained and it is expected that SAD would contest the next assembly elections without the support of SAD. Punjab government at present is facing high anti-incumbency due to poor governance, rise in crime and humiliation of BJP leaders and workers by SAD leadership.

The signals given by center government and BJP high command have sent shock waves among the SAD leadership and in the absence of support by center it would be diccicult for the state government to cope with its financial liabilities. The center government reported to have directed the Resaerve Bank of India not to extend any loan to Punjab government. The centger ahs asked the Punjab government to give account of Rs.4200 crores which it has overspent or wasted during procurement of Wheat and paddy in previous years.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has directed party leaders not to issue statements against BJP and use restrain in replying to charges levelled by BJP ledaders. Badal would not like to give an impression that SAD was responsible for snapping ties with BJP. Akalis would then find an opportunity to blame BJP for stabbing it in the back. It would help SAD to win over its vote bank among Sikhs. It is in this background that Badal has asked party to focus on panthic issues. Recently Badal had also raised the issue of transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab. SAD has long ago changed its pro-panthic stance and trying to place itself as secular party. The SAD has also appointed score of Hindu leaders as presidents of district units and also gave repersentation to Muslim leaders.

The decision traken by core committee has exposed the hollow claims of Badal that SAD-BJP alliance stands on firm ground. SAD is scared of the situation that may emerge after BJP walks out of alliance. The second line leaders of both the parties are issuing statements blaming each other for poor governance. BJP has serious concerns over poor governance in Punjab and rise of mafia rule. BJP would not like to be blamed for the mess created by SAD. This is one of the reasons that BJP is looking for right opportunity to say good bye to SAD.