Amarinder Singh said that he “expects a seat arrangement with the BJP” for the 2022 Punjab elections (File)
New Delhi:
Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today announced that he will form a new political party and if the farmers’ protests are resolved, a “seat arrangement” with the BJP and splinter Akali groups ahead of next year’s assembly elections in the state. “Will consider it. Mr Singh had ruled out the possibility of joining the BJP after meeting with Union Minister Amit Shah last month, saying he had discussed farmers’ protest.
In a series of tweets this evening, former chief minister’s media advisor Raveen Thukral quoted him as saying, “Soon to announce the launch of my own political party to serve the interests of Punjab and its people, including our farmers. who are fighting for their survival for more than a year”.
Another tweet read, “Hope for seat arrangement with @BJP4India in 2022 Punjab Assembly Elections if #FarmersProtest is resolved in the interest of farmers. Also like minded parties like different Akalis In view of the alliance with groups, especially the Dhindsa and Brahmapura factions.”
‘Hopeful about seat arrangement’ @BJP4India If in 2022 Punjab assembly elections # farmers protest resolved in the interest of farmers. Also looking at alliances with like-minded parties such as the disbanded Akali groups, especially the Dhindsa and Dhindsa.
Brahmapura faction: @capt_amarinder 2/3 https://t.co/rkYhk4aE9Y— Raveen Thukral (@RT_Media_Capt) October 19, 2021
Mr. Singh has not yet officially left the Congress. While the party’s central leadership is yet to comment on the issue, Punjab cabinet minister Pargat Singh said, “I had already said that the Captain is affiliated with BJP and Akali Dal, he used to get his agenda from BJP”. .
The 79-year-old – who has been with the Congress for more than four decades and has been its tallest mass leader in Punjab – resigned from the top post in September, acknowledging that he faced “humiliation” by the Congress during his tenure. Had to do Long and bitter feud with Navjot Singh Sidhu and a section of party MLAs.
At the time, he had made it clear that he still had enough political stature and would explore alternatives.
“There is always a choice, and I will exercise that option when the time comes,” he was quoted as saying, adding that he would decide on his future course of action after discussions with “friends”. He also indicated that his age was not a barrier, “you can be 40 and young at 80”.
The veteran leader, who spent more than four decades in the Congress and known to be loyal to the Gandhi family, also slammed the party chief.
“I was ready to leave after victory but never after defeat… If she (Sonia Gandhi) had called me and asked me to step down, I would have been. As a soldier, I would have known That’s how I have to do my job,” he said.
After his meeting with Amit Shah in late September, Mr Singh tweeted that he discussed the “prolonged farmers’ agitation against agricultural laws”. He also said that he had urged the minister to “repeat the laws and resolve the crisis immediately with the guarantee of MSP”.
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