Former Punjab CM Outlines BJP's Political Path to Power
BJP leader and former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh delivered crucial insights about his party's political future in Punjab during a recent interview with an online news channel. The seasoned politician emphasized that the BJP cannot form a government in Punjab independently and would need to either establish alliances or wait through multiple election cycles to strengthen its grassroots presence.
The Alliance Imperative for BJP's Punjab Ambitions
Amarinder Singh provided a historical perspective on BJP's electoral strategy in Punjab, noting that since 1950, the party has never contested elections independently in the state. "Politically, we will have to stitch an alliance," he stated unequivocally. "If the BJP has to form a govt in Punjab, you have to have an alliance because the BJP has never contested independently in the state since 1950."
The former CM presented two clear pathways for the BJP: either enter into an alliance or wait for two-three elections to build stronger ground positions in both villages and cities. He emphasized the practical reality of Punjab politics, stating, "Why are we in politics? So that we make a govt for the betterment of Punjab, and for the betterment of Punjab, you will have to enter into an alliance and cannot make it alone."
Failed Alliance Talks and Chandigarh Ownership
Amarinder Singh revealed intriguing details about pre-2024 parliamentary poll negotiations with Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal. According to his account, there was initial consensus for the BJP to contest four seats in Punjab and one in Chandigarh under revised seat-sharing arrangements.
However, the deal collapsed when Sukhbir Singh Badal told Union Home Minister Amit Shah that SAD could only offer three seats to BJP. This prompted Shah to direct BJP national president J P Nadda to announce tickets for all seats overnight, effectively ending the alliance discussions.
The former chief minister also addressed the perennial Chandigarh ownership issue, asserting firmly that "everyone knows that Chandigarh belongs to Punjab." He questioned the repeated raising of this issue, emphasizing that commitments made by the Indian government should be honored regardless of which party holds power at the Centre.
Broader Political Perspectives and Bandi Singhs Issue
Amarinder Singh expressed concern about SAD's limited parliamentary representation, noting that "only one lady MP is sitting in Lok Sabha. What will she do alone?" referring to Harsimrat Kaur Badal being the sole SAD representative in the lower house.
Regarding his working relationship with central leadership, the former CM mentioned that he discusses national issues with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and approaches Union Home Minister Amit Shah for state-related matters.
On the sensitive issue of Bandi Singhs, Amarinder Singh advocated for their release, stating, "I am in agreement. When they were awarded imprisonment, life imprisonment meant 14 years, but now it means life. Some are in jails for 30 years. This is unfair." This position aligns with his broader advocacy for justice and fair treatment within the legal system.
The interview concluded with Amarinder Singh reinforcing that Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar understands his perspective, having worked together during their respective tenures as chief minister and Pradesh Congress Committee president.
