Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) states it is supporting the Delimitation Bill and the prompt implementation of India’s Women’s Reservation Bill after party president Sukhbir Singh Badal meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi. SAD says it wants the women’s quota enacted without delay and calls for delimitation that it describes as fair and equitable, to ensure equal representation for states.
The outlets also note the political context in Punjab. Times of India says the meeting fuels speculation about a possible electoral partnership between SAD and the BJP as both seek to regain influence in the state. Free Press Journal adds that SAD’s shift comes after Badal’s meetings in New Delhi, and points to SAD’s earlier position: the party had opposed the Delimitation Bill when it was first introduced in April and had voted against it with the Opposition. Free Press Journal reports Badal reiterates that women reservation and delimitation should be done immediately, while describing the party’s rationale for women’s reservation in terms of gender equality.
While all accounts focus on SAD’s announced support following the Modi meeting, they differ mainly in emphasis—one on alliance speculation and the other on the party’s stated policy arguments and its prior voting record.
