News Analysis | Repeal of farm laws gives impetus to BJP in Punjab ahead of Assembly poll
The Hindu
Opposition has lost key issue to corner party, say observers
The simmering anger against the BJP may not immediatelyin Punjab after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced, but the decision has given enough impetus to the BJP to make inroads in the State due in early 2022.
In Punjab, the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) were in alliance for the Assembly poll, on a seat-sharing formula in which the SAD would contest on 94 seats and the BJP on 23. However, amid the controversy over the Centre’s farm laws, the SAD — one of the BJP’s oldest alliance partners — decided to break away from the NDA coalition.
The BJP recently announced it would in the upcoming Assembly election. Even as a seat-sharing arrangement with former Punjab Chief Minister — Punjab Lok Congress — is on the cards, an official declaration on it is still awaited. The BJP and Capt. Amarinder joining hands is being seen as a win-win situation for both.