SAD-BJP to contest as allies in Delhi assembly polls

NEW DELHI: The ongoing tussle over seats between BJP and Shrimoni Akali Dal (Badal) for assembly polls came to an end on Wednesday noon with BJP agreeing upon giving four seats to the latter.
Keen on continuing with the alliance, the BJP went ahead with cutting ticket of its four time sitting MLA and veteran leader Harsharan Singh Balli on Hari Nagar seat and gave the seat to Akali. Other three seats include Rajouri Garden, Kalkaji and Shahdra.
SAD all throughout was adamant on having two seats in West Delhi, a strong punjabi zone. "We are satisfied with the seats offered to us. Our party high command will soon hold a meeting to finalize tickets," said Manjeet Singh GK.
Party seniors said the decision on symbol will also be taken by high command in the meeting. Earlier, Akali had expressed its desire to contest polls on its own symbol - a balance, instead of BJP's lotus.
In 2008, Akali had contested on three seats, Jangpura, Shahdra and Rajouri Garden but had lost all three.
Party sources in BJP said senior party leaders took Balli in confidence before taking the decision. "Balli ji has been in bad health for a long time. We are sure that he will come out in support of the ally partner in the area," said a BJP party leader. Balli could not be contacted for comments.