Capt Amarinder Singh: ‘PM Modi wants farm stir resolution soon… Farmers must understand this has to be within national perspective’

'I am all for alliance of BJP with Akalis...We should fight together in Lok Sabha polls to counter our opponents strongly,' ex-Punjab CM tells The Indian Express

4 min readChandigarhUpdated: Feb 21, 2024 07:33 AM IST

Senior Punjab BJP leader and ex-chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh (Express photo)

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.

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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.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More