Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Naresh Gujral has clarified that the recent meeting between party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be seen as a "muh dikhayi" — an introductory gesture — and not a "roka," which would signal a formal commitment to rekindle the alliance.
Speaking to The Tribune after the meeting, Gujral said the engagement between the two leaders is a sign that the long-closed door between the erstwhile allies has now slightly opened.
What the Sukhbir-Modi meeting signals for SAD-BJP ties
The meeting has triggered widespread speculation about the possibility of a realignment between the Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. However, the BJP has continued to insist that it will contest on all 117 seats in the state.
According to The Tribune, the development is significant ahead of the Punjab Assembly polls, as it has sparked speculation around the future of the erstwhile allies.
Gujral's take: Punjab's interests come first
Gujral, however, emphasized that the engagement between the top leaders showed they considered the interests of Punjab paramount and were willing to assess one another ahead of the elections.
"The sign is that the long-closed door between erstwhile allies has now slightly opened." — Naresh Gujral, The Tribune
While the meeting has fueled chatter about a possible SAD-BJP alliance, Gujral's framing suggests that both sides are still in the early stages of testing the waters rather than committing to a formal partnership.
Our Take: A cautious first step, not a done deal
To put it plainly, Gujral's choice of words matters. By calling the meeting a "muh dikhayi" and not a "roka," he is deliberately lowering expectations. This is not a confirmation that the SAD and BJP are getting back together — it is a signal that both sides are willing to talk.
The BJP's insistence on contesting all 117 seats in Punjab remains a major sticking point. For the SAD, which has historically been a key ally of the BJP in the state, any realignment would require significant negotiation. Gujral's comments suggest that while the door is slightly open, it is far from being fully unlocked.
For voters in Punjab, this means the political landscape remains fluid. The meeting is a development worth watching, but it is not yet a turning point. Both parties are keeping their options open, and the coming weeks will reveal whether this "muh dikhayi" evolves into something more substantial.
