Chandigarh: Formally saying goodbye to the Congress, former Punjab CM Amarinder Singh said he would soon announce the launch of his own political party to serve the interests of the people, including the farmers who’ve been fighting for their rights for over a year now.
The former CM also said that he is hopeful of a seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP for next year’s Assembly elections in the state if the farmers’ issues are resolved in their interest.
In a series of tweets, his media advisor Raveen Thukral quoted Amarinder Singh as saying, “The battle for Punjab’s future is on. Will soon announce the launch of my own political party to serve the interests of Punjab and its people, including our farmers who’ve been fighting for their survival for over a year.”
Reacting to his move, the BJP said: “We are ready for an alliance with Captain Amarinder Singh,” BJP’s Punjab in-charge Dushyant Gautam said.
“Our doors are open for an alliance, though only our parliamentary board can take the decision,” Gautam said. He said the BJP was always ready to join hands with outfits that are nationalistic, concerned about the country, and concerned about national security.
The announcement did not catch anyone by surprise as Singh had recently revealed in interviews that he was leaving the Congress and going his own way, but not joining the BJP.
With just a few months to go for polls, Singh was forced to step down as chief minister in September following a revolt against him led by state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu.
