Captain Amarinder Singh interview: ‘States, including Punjab, need not differ with all that Centre does … issues can be resolved via dialogue’
"BJP must align with the Shiromani Akali Dal to form the govt in Punjab in 2027 ... I am not quitting BJP ... no point in going back," says former Punjab CM and BJP leader.
Captain Amarinder Singh is a former two-time Chief Minister of Punjab. 
Known to speak his mind, former Punjab Chief Minister and BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh recently turned heads over his remarks that the BJP needs to get back to its alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to come to power in the state. The former Congress leader also raised a lot of eyebrows when he recently said he finds the BJP “rigid in its approach” while the Congress had a more “consultative outlook”. In an interview with The Indian Express, Singh responds to questions that his recent comments have raised, and talks about his role in the BJP and the farmers’ issues in Punjab, among others. Excerpts:
* You were a top Congress leader for decades and opposed the BJP. Now you are in the BJP. In hindsight, was it the right move?
My basic ideology is nationalism. I have been brought up in an atmosphere where nationalism was above everything else. Both parties (BJP and Congress) more or less have the same approach on this. Given how things turned out in the Congress, I do not regret quitting the party.
* You have said that the BJP is ‘rigid’ in its approach while the Congress is more flexible and consultative. Isn’t that an expression of regret?
Let me say it loud and clear that I am not quitting the BJP. It is my party and I will fight hammer and tongs for it. There is no point in going back.
With regard to the differences in functioning of the BJP and the Congress, they are natural. No two parties can work in the same way. I am very much in the BJP and have the right to express my opinion to the high command.
I have been in politics since 1967, close to six decades now, and know the pulse of the masses. I strongly feel there must be an exchange of views between the state BJP and the central leadership, which takes final decisions on issues.
*As a former CM, how do you reconcile Punjab’s interests with your party that is often accused of centralising power?
Indian federalism is unique in nature and character due to the country’s diversity. We do need a strong (government at the) Centre.
How is the Centre interfering in the states’ affairs? I was CM between 2002 and 2004 and later from 2017 to 2021 when there was a BJP government at the Centre. I never had any problem in this regard.
*Punjab had opposed the now-repealed farm laws and is now against the labour codes, draft Electricity Amendment Bill, and the Seed Bill. Are you personally in favour of these reforms?
While there can be differences, it is not necessary for states, including Punjab, to differ with everything that the Centre does. After all, the Central government is elected by people, including those in Punjab.
Why would the Centre go against the interests of people? The apprehensions of people can always be discussed and resolved through dialogue. Even in the past, the Centre withdrew the farm laws while respecting people’s sentiments.
* Have you been able to push any major Punjab-specific demand within the BJP?
Every party pursues state and nationally specific issues. We will take up (state-specific) issues when the time is right.
Punjab is drowning in debt and we will have to work towards strengthening its economy and revive its agriculture as well as industry. While agricultural incomes are declining, industry is moving out.
*Farmers see the BJP as anti-farmer. What concrete assurance can you give them that the state’s agrarian interests are safe with the BJP?
A wrong perception has been created in this regard. Why do you think the BJP is anti-farmer? Do you think there are no farmers in Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and other states where the BJP is in power? There seems to be a misunderstanding, which is being resolved.
* But the demand for MSP remains unfulfilled…
MSP has already been guaranteed. Show me one farmer in Punjab or Haryana whose crop is not purchased at MSP. Why make an issue when the system is working smoothly? I think it is more of a prestige issue.
*How do you see the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s performance?
It is self-evident. There is no governance. When they came to power, they had no experience and sadly, they still do not even after four years in power. They refused to learn. Moreover, there is outside interference.
Law and order has worsened. Every day, we see reports of killings by gangsters. The less said about finances, the better. The government is surviving on borrowed money. It is creating massive liabilities for future governments.
* What is your role in the BJP today?
I was not very active till recently due to my chronic back problem, which has been addressed now. Each
person has a specific role in the party.
* What do you have to say about former MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s accusations against you?
Do you take her seriously? She is not a part of the government or the party. I fail to understand in what capacity she is speaking.
*As you have become active again, will you contest polls?
I have always been active. With regard to contesting polls, I have no intention to do it but it is up to the party to decide. I am a six-time MLA, two-time MP, and a two-time CM. I am always there to share my political experience with the party.
*How ready are you for the 2027 Assembly polls?
As ready as ever.
*Many of your party colleagues do not agree with your view that the BJP needs to ally with the SAD to come to power in Punjab…
I do believe we must align with the SAD to form the government in 2027. However, not everyone can have the same opinion. Everyone is entitled to their view.
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