SAD to take call on NDA alliance after considering fate of farm bills in Rajya Sabha

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will decide on wher to continue its alliance with BJP-led NDA or t after taking into account fate of three farm bills in Rajya Sabha and consulting its members, party sources told PTI a day after its lone Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal quit cabinet.

A senior party leader said at moment party’s focus was on safeguarding interests of farmers, and t alliance issue. core group of SAD held a meeting in Delhi with several or joining through video conference from Punjab to discuss its next course of action after Harsimrat Kaur in protest against three agriculture bills.

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bills were passed by Lok Sabha this week and are likely to be taken up in Rajya Sabha soon. party has three MPs in upper house. Asked wher SAD would end its alliance with National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on differing stands, Kaur said it was for party to decide and a collective decision would be taken on matter by all senior leaders toger.

"Even in marri re are disagreements. So, similarly, in a coalition, it doesn't mean you have to subscribe to each or's ideology. Each political party has to protect its interests," senior party member Naresh Gujral said.

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'Alliance issue t a priority for SAD'

Rajya Sabha MP also said that Akali Dal is aware of fact that Indian army is standing eyeball to eyeball with Chinese PLA at LAC and subsequently, Pakistan is trying to disturb atmosphere of Punjab. He said party would t take any decision which would disturb air in Punjab, a border state. Akali Dal represents Sikhs, who are kwn for ir patriotism and huge sacrifice for country.

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Echoing similar sentiments, SAD leader Prem Singh Chandumajra said that alliance issue was t a priority for SAD at moment since Punjab Assembly elections are still far away. As per reports, party will wait for fate of farm bills in Rajya Sabha before taking a final call on remaining in NDA.

BJP is confident of stacking tes in its favour in Upper House for pass of bills -- Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill.

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(With inputs from ncy)