NDTV Explains: Why Akali Dal Said 'No' To Deal With BJP For Lok Sabha Poll

Last week the Akali gave a broad outline of these concerns, and said it would "continue to put principles above politics... and never deviate from its historic role as a champion" of all Punjabis.

There will be no re-union of the BJP and Akali Dal in Punjab - an alliance that fractured in September 2020 amid sharp differences over the centre's (now-scrapped) three farm laws - ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The BJP this week confirmed it will contest the state's 13 seats on its own.

The Akalis, though, have claimed a mismatch in core ideologies was the reason why an alliance could not be reformed. The state party has also hinted at plans to contest the 2027 Assembly election on its own, and is expected to use the Lok Sabha poll as a chance to refine its panthic agenda.

Sources said such an outreach - built on a strong regional identity and development of the Akali Dal as a regional socio-cultural and political force - clashes with the BJP's nationalist political ideology.