CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and BSP expressed reservations on Wednesday about joining the oppositions INDIA bloc.
While BSP chief Mayawati reiterated her decision to abstain from aligning with either of the two major political alliances, including BJP-led NDA, ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections, SAD leader Balwinder Singh Bhundar expressed his partys hesitation primarily because of the presence of arch-rival Congress within the INDIA coalition.Former parliamentarian Bhundar said SAD had received an invitation from INDIA to attend its two-day meeting scheduled in Mumbai, but refrained from disclosing the identity of the person who extended the invite.
SAD had skipped the previous two INDIA meetings in Patna and Bengaluru, as well as an NDA meeting in Delhi.Bhundar said apart from Congress and AAP, most other parties within the INDIA bloc share an amicable relationship with SAD.
But, given the circumstances, it is not clear how long the INDIA alliance would survive, he said.SAD, previously an ally of BJP, withdrew from NDA in September 2020 due to the contentious farm laws.
Recent reports hinted at talks between BJP and SAD leaders to reforge their alliance for the 2024 parliamentary elections.
However, SAD has denied any such discussions.