NEW DELHI: Ahead of speculation over a possible alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the BJP, former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh held a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
During the meeting, Amarinder Singh briefed the Prime Minister on pressing issues facing Punjab, particularly the problems of drugs and gangsterism. He also discussed how the Centre and the BJP could help address these challenges.
Confirming the meeting over the phone, Amarinder Singh said there was no political discussion during the interaction.
The meeting comes amid reports that the SAD and the BJP are actively exploring an alliance ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal is also expected to hold meetings with senior BJP leaders.
Amarinder Singh has long supported an alliance between the two parties. A two-time chief minister, he is considered among the leaders with considerable understanding of Punjab’s affairs and security challenges.
The meeting is also significant given that Amarinder Singh has criticised the BJP in the past. In an earlier interview with The Tribune, he had said the party did not fully understand the ground realities of Punjab. Despite this, Prime Minister Modi gives considerable importance to his advice on matters concerning the state.
Amarinder Singh is also expected to attend the launch event of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s book, Belonging: A Journey of Love. He confirmed to The Tribune that he would be present.
“I shared my experience of dealing with issues such as drugs, gangsterism and the threat of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism,” he said.
