Former Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh will soon announce his own party and is hopeful for a seat arrangement with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) if the farmers' protest is resolved ahead of the polls.
Taking to Twitter, Singh's media advisor Raveen Thukral on Tuesday, 19 October, quoted the ex-CM as saying:
"I will not rest till I can secure the future of my people and my state. Punjab needs political stability and protection from internal & external threats. I promise my people I will do what it takes to ensure its peace and security, which is today at stake".
As per Thukral, Amarinder Singh has also said:
"Hopeful of a seat arrangement with BJP in 2022 Punjab Assembly polls if the farmers protest is resolved in farmers’ interest. Also looking at alliance with like-minded parties such as breakaway Akali groups, particularly Dhindsa and Brahmpura factions."
'Will Reach Out to Farmers'
In an interview with The Print, Amarinder Singh also shared that he will reach out to farmers for the upcoming Assembly elections in Punjab.
Singh indicated that the prolonged farmers’ protest against the three farm laws may be heading towards a resolution soon. Further, The Print quoted the captain as saying:
“Before the farmers’ issue, this was not a problem in Punjab (against the Narendra Modi government)."
Background
Days after resigning as the Punjab Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh had on 30 September said that he is leaving Congress, but not joining the BJP.
"(I am) not joining BJP but will quit Congress. Can't stay in a party where I'm insulted and not trusted. Still exploring options," Singh was quoted as saying.
Singh's statement about not joining the BJP had come a day after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence, amid widespread speculation about him joining the Hindu nationalist party.
However, shortly after the meeting, Singh's media adviser Raveen Thukral shared a photo of the duo on Twitter and quoted the leader as saying that the meeting was to discuss the farmers' protest against the farm laws.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)