Not Leaving BJP, Just Doing My Duty: Amarinder Quashes Congress Return Talk
“It is my duty to tell them what my views and feelings are. I have not said that I am no longer relevant in the Congress or the BJP. Parties continue to change”: Amarinder Singh
NEW DELHI: Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Friday said expressing his views on the situation in Punjab was his duty as a BJP member and did not mean he was planning to leave the party, amid speculation that he could return to the Congress.
Singh, 84, said he had spent six decades in Punjab politics and therefore had a responsibility to share his experience with the BJP leadership. He also said he was going through “difficult times”, but did not elaborate.
“It is my duty to tell them what my views and feelings are. I have not said that I am no longer relevant in the Congress or the BJP. Parties continue to change,” Singh said on the sidelines of the launch of Bishan with Love, a book commemorating former India cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi.
Responding to questions about his age and political relevance, Singh cited former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who became Prime Minister at 81, saying age did not necessarily mark the end of a political career.
Singh also recalled his long association with Punjab politics while explaining why he had spoken out about the state’s situation.
“I have spent 60 years in Punjab politics. Some people came after us and have not even been there for a year. We have seen the situation in Punjab over all these years, but they have not even asked us,” he said.
Singh stressed that voicing his concerns did not mean he intended to switch parties. He recalled that he had earlier left the Congress and joined the Shiromani Akali Dal following Operation Blue Star before eventually returning to the Congress.
“That does not mean I will now leave and join another party. But it is my duty to tell them (BJP leaders) my views and what my feelings are,” he said.
Singh also referred to the prevailing situation in the country, saying there was a need to promote the values associated with cricket.
“Cricket is a game of gentlemen. It is a game that should always be promoted,” he said, adding that the country was going through “a difficult time”.
At the event, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah expressed his wish to see Singh become Punjab chief minister again.
“I want Amarinder Singh to become chief minister once again,” Abdullah said, wishing him well.
Former cricketers Kapil Dev, Syed Kirmani and Madan Lal also attended the book launch.
Singh stepped down as Punjab chief minister in 2021 and subsequently joined the BJP. His remarks come amid renewed speculation over his political future, but he made no announcement of any decision to leave the party.
