BJP sources indicated a “strong prospect” of joining the party, with the veteran leader having a dramatic exit with the Congress leadership. The prospect was seen by BJP leaders as a big boost to their prospects in the border state ahead of the February elections.
A senior BJP functionary clarified that the party is in touch with the former chief minister. There have been occasions in the past when Singh was reported to be in touch with the BJP, especially before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, but this move did not materialize in part because of the BJP’s alliance with the Akalis, which is now over. .
Speculation about meeting Home Minister Amit as soon as Singh leaves for Delhi from Chandigarh Shah And BJP President JP Nadda started the round. He had also told reporters in Chandigarh that he was going to meet Shah, which was later termed as a meeting on the COVID-19 situation in Punjab. There was no confirmation of the meeting as of late Tuesday; Sources said it could happen on Wednesday.
The speculations did not quell the news, though Singh’s media advisor Raveen Thukral said the leader was on a personal visit to Delhi. “A lot has been read in Amarinder Singh’s visit to Delhi. He is on a personal visit, during which he will meet some friends and will also vacate Kapurthala’s house for the new CM. There is no need for unnecessary speculation.” Asked about his next course of action, Thukral said it would be as per the wishes of his supporters and followers and “all options are open”.
However, BJP sources said that Singh, a former army officer, and who matches the party’s views on national security, is likely to join the saffron fold. His strong opposition to the new agricultural laws would be an issue, but BJP functionaries felt a suitable thread could be found. Singh, on his part, could have got a party apparatus and resources for the elections. In fact, he said, had he recommended the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly, the partnership would have been quicker.
Singh had recently resigned in less than five months for the assembly elections. Navjot Singh Sidhu – Ironically, resigned as Punjab party chief on Tuesday – accusing the Congress leadership of “humiliating” him and saying the Gandhi siblings lack political experience.
If Amarinder Singh joins the BJP, he will follow Jyotiraditya Scindia, who was inducted as a cabinet minister in the Modi ministry, Jitin Prasada, and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma among others.
It will also come as an impetus for the BJP in Punjab, where it has no allies left after the Akali Dal broke away from three agrarian laws and its vote is essentially confined to the urban Hindu population. In addition, it will help build perceptions in its favor at the national level with the induction of a senior leader from a state that has become the focus of the anti-agriculture law movement.
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