Manpreet Badal Denies Speculation About Returning to SAD, Labels Rumors as Misinformation

BJP’s Manpreet Singh Badal Dismisses Rumors of Joining Shiromani Akali Dal

Former Finance Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manpreet Singh Badal has firmly denied rumors suggesting he plans to join the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) ahead of the 2027 Punjab state elections.

In a social media post published Monday, Badal addressed the speculation directly: “Let’s not give space to rumors or misinformation.” He emphasized his commitment to the BJP, stating that “any self-respecting leader who envisions a strong, prosperous India belongs with the BJP,” and described the party as “the only platform that matches their ambition for India.”

The denial comes amid persistent speculation in Punjab political circles that Badal might return to the SAD, the party where he began his political career, potentially as their candidate from the Gidderbaha constituency in the next state assembly elections.

Badal, a veteran politician with a complex political history in Punjab, joined the BJP in January 2023 after a series of political shifts that saw him move from the SAD to forming his own party, later merging with the Congress, before finally landing with the BJP.

His political journey began with the SAD, where he won four consecutive terms as an MLA from Gidderbaha. During this period, he also served as Finance Minister in the SAD-BJP coalition government until 2010. His relationship with the SAD soured that year, leading to his exit from the party.

In 2012, Badal contested from Gidderbaha on the ticket of his newly formed People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) but lost to Congress candidate Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. He subsequently merged his party with the Congress and successfully contested the 2017 assembly elections from Bathinda Urban, going on to serve as Finance Minister in the Congress governments led by Capt. Amarinder Singh and later by Charanjit Singh Channi.

The 2022 assembly elections marked another turning point in Badal’s career when he suffered a significant defeat in Bathinda Urban to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Jagroop Singh Gill. Following this setback, he joined the BJP in early 2023.

Most recently, Badal contested the Gidderbaha bypoll as a BJP candidate but lost to AAP’s Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon, indicating the continued challenges facing the BJP in establishing a strong presence in Punjab.

Political analysts note that Badal’s continued activity in both Gidderbaha and Bathinda Urban constituencies suggests he is keeping his options open for future electoral contests. Gidderbaha, located in his home district of Muktsar, has particular significance as his former stronghold.

Punjab’s political landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with traditional powerhouses like the Congress and SAD losing ground to the AAP, which swept to power in the 2022 assembly elections. This fluid political environment has led to numerous defections and realignments as parties position themselves for future electoral battles.

The speculation about Badal potentially returning to the SAD reflects the ongoing volatility in Punjab politics, where family legacies and regional loyalties continue to play important roles. The Badal family has been central to SAD’s political identity for decades, though Manpreet has had a complicated relationship with the party leadership.

For now, Badal appears committed to building his future within the BJP, calling on supporters to “work together to ensure India’s golden age” under the party’s banner.