4 min readChandigarhFeb 21, 2024 07:33 AM IST
First published on: Feb 20, 2024 at 09:28 PM IST
Senior Punjab BJP leader and ex-chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi Monday and discussed various matters, including the current farmers’ agitation, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and the question of the BJP’s realliance with former ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). In an interview with The Indian Express, Amarinder spoke on a range of these issues. Excerpts:
How was your discussion with PM Modi?
I went to meet the Prime Minister as we had not met for a long time. He and I were the chief ministers of Gujarat and Punjab (respectively) at the same time (2002-2007). Later, when I became the chief minister for the second time (in 2017), he was the Prime Minister. Also, there is this burning issue of farmers’ agitation. I wanted to discuss that with him. It was a good meeting, where we discussed a number of issues.
What did PM Modi say on the farmers’ protest?
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre is trying to find a solution to the farmers’ agitation. The Prime Minister is very sympathetic to the farmers’ issues. He wants a resolution to the issue (farm stir) soon.
I gave my views to the PM on the issue. I can say that everyone in the Union government is sympathetic towards the farmers. But the farmers must also understand that this has to be within the national perspective. If you want MSP for all crops and all farmers, you must also realise that half of India is growing wheat and rice. Then they will get MSP for wheat and rice. It will not benefit Punjab farmers as a whole. They must consider this.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh during a meeting, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)
As the Punjab CM, you allowed the farmers to move to Delhi during their 2020 stir. Should they be allowed to do the same this time?
When I was the CM, I dealt with the issue. I allowed them (farmers) to move to Delhi. But then there was violence. The Red Fort episode took place. The farmers should now stay put where they are and their representatives can go and meet the Union government’s representatives, like they have been doing and holding meetings with them. Solutions emerge after dialogue. I feel the agitating farmers sitting at Haryana border are responsible farmers. They have not indulged in any violence. I hope it is resolved soon. There is no point in carrying on and sitting on roads. They also realise that the situation is not good. People are harassed and angry.
Will you contest Lok Sabha elections?
No. I will not contest the elections. Preneet Kaur (suspended Congress MP from Patiala) will contest from Patiala. My daughter Jai Inder Kaur will contest from my seat during Assembly elections. (Amarinder is former MLA from Patiala-Urban). Preneet works hard. She has been a four-time MP from Patiala. She contested five times. Jaya (Jai Inder) is also working hard. She is the president of the state BJP Mahila wing and has been working in all the districts. It is time for younger generation to come forward. I am there for the party. I will help the party. I have been active for 57 years in politics. Now, it is time to pass on the baton to the younger generation.
Did you discuss BJP-SAD alliance with the PM?
I am all for the alliance of the BJP with Akalis. There should be a headway. We should fight together in Lok Sabha polls to counter our opponents strongly.
Senior Punjab BJP leader and ex-chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh (Express photo) 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh during a meeting, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)
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