The Akali Dal said they quit the alliance over the controversial Farm Bills (File)
New Delhi:
The Shiromani Akali Dal, one of the oldest allies of the BJP, on Saturday said it was quitting the ruling party’s National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after sharp differences over the three controversial farm sector bills enacted earlier this month.
Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal had earlier said the Akalis – who initially supported the bills – are reviewing ties with ruling party, and had also requested President Ram Nath Kovind to “please stand by farmers” and not sign off on the laws.
The Akali Dal which draws a large swathe of its voter base from farmers in Punjab who have vehemently opposed the new laws over fears of it ending the price support system (MSP) and the entry of private players who, they say, will put small and marginal farmers at risk.
