CHANDIGARH – The SAD-BJP alliance is under strain. The underlying tension between the two parties has reached a point that could have serious ramifications for both. Adopting a tough position on the issue of power-sharing, the BJP has decided not to take “humiliation” at the hands of the SAD lying down.
Party insiders indicate the BJP is not willing to give up the post of Amritsar Mayor at any cost. There are indications that the SAD is keen to have its Mayors in three of the four Municipal Corporations. “The BJP is ready to go to any extent, even snap ties with the SAD if we are continued to be bullied”, a senior party leader said.
The BJP says the SAD is not sharing power with the BJP on an equal footing. At the same time, it has started a campaign to suggest that the BJP has lost ground in the cities of Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala. Refuting the allegations, the BJP says that it has improved its tally in Amritsar, had retained its hold in Jalandhar and is down by only seat in Ludhiana (lost by four votes) and two in Patiala.
The BJP says that despite the fact that the SAD used official machinery for its candidates alone, the BJP emerged stronger than the SAD. “If we had the SSPs and DC at our beck and call like the SAD, we would have won all seats”, a senior BJP leader said, alleging the police was hostile to BJP workers. A senior BJP leader has openly protested against the SAD for not helping the party during the civic poll.
