Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, July 1
Indicating a thaw in the estranged relations between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Akalis today announced support to the BJP-led NDA presidential nominee, Droupadi Murmu.
Reservations with bjp still persist
Our reservations with the BJP over key issues still remain. The SAD is inspired by Gurus in supporting the cause of the poor, the downtrodden and the minorities, including tribals. — Sukhbir Badal, SAD Chief
SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said the core committee of the party had passed a resolution in favour of Murmu.
It is for the first time that the SAD and the BJP have come on the same page on any issue since September 2020 when the former severed ties with the saffron party on the issue of the farm laws.
The resolution read, “She symbolises the cause of minorities, the exploited and the backward classes as well as the dignity of women. She has emerged as a symbol of the poor and tribal segments in the country.”
Sukhbir said, “Our reservations with the BJP over key issues, including removing a sense of insecurity from the minds of minorities and justice for Punjab, especially the Sikhs, still remain. The SAD is inspired and guided by the ideals of the Sikh Gurus in supporting the cause of the poor, the downtrodden and the minorities, including tribal segments of society.”
Sukhbir also met Murmu this afternoon to convey her the decision of the party.
Yesterday, BJP national president JP Nadda had reached out to Sukhbir for seeking the support of the SAD in favour of the NDA’s presidential nominee.
Presidential elections: SAD to support Droupadi Murmu
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