Chandigarh: Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has clarified that expressing his views on the situation in Punjab does not mean he is planning to leave the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking to reporters after the launch of a book on the life of late legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, Amarinder Singh said he considered it his moral duty and responsibility to make the BJP leadership aware of the ground realities in Punjab.
Amarinder, who appeared unhappy over not being consulted by the BJP high command while framing the party’s strategy for Punjab, said he had been active in Punjab politics for the past 60 years.
“Some people joined the party after us and have not even completed a year. We have witnessed the ups and downs of Punjab over all these years, but we are not even consulted. Therefore, it is my duty to make the party aware of my views and feelings,” he said.
Amarinder has repeatedly advocated that the BJP should renew its alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal to win elections in Punjab.
He also clarified that he had never said he had become irrelevant to either the Congress or the BJP. Recalling his political journey, he said political parties change over time and pointed out that he had left the Congress for the Akali Dal after Operation Blue Star before later returning to the Congress.
However, he made it clear that his comments did not mean he was planning to leave the BJP and join another political party.
