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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As ready as ever.
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.
