A day after Amarinder Singh announced he would form his own political party and would join hands with the BJP if the farmers’ issue is resolved, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said that the Captain has destroyed himself.
Talking to the media, Randhawa said that the Captain has always abused the BJP. He further said that the BJP should hold an enquiry on Amarinder Singh over his whereabouts after his resignation in 1984 and his relation with Pakistan.
The Deputy CM further said that the Captain must be under some pressure as many cases have been filed against him and his children.
We have no fear of Amarinder’s decision, he added.
Congress leader Harish Rawat also reacted to this development and expressed confidence that Captain’s decision will not affect the grand old party.
“Congress will not suffer any loss. This will actually divide the votes of our rivals. Congress will not be affected. Our votes will depend on the performance of the Channi government. The way Channi has started, it has created a good impression before Punjab and the entire nation,” he added.
Attacking the BJP over the three farm laws, Rawat said that no one can forgive the saffron party for keeping farmers at the borders for 10 months.
Calling his announcement “shocking”, Rawat said it seems he has killed the “secular Amarinder” within him.
If he wants to eat crow and go with BJP, he can, said Rawat adding that no one can stop him.
“Who can stop him if he can’t stay with his old commitment to secularism? He was considered a symbol of ‘Sarvdharm Sambhav’ and connected to Congress’ traditions for long. If he wants to go, he should,” he added.
Making the announcement on Tuesday, Singh said that the battle for Punjab’s future is on and said his party will serve the interests of Punjab and its people, including farmers who’ve been fighting for their survival for over a year.
The two-time chief minister also said he will not rest until he secures the future of his people and his state.
Punjab needs political stability and protection from internal and external threats, the Captain said adding that he will do whatever it takes to ensure its peace and security, which according to him is at stake today.
Singh had resigned as chief minister of Punjab last month after a bitter feud with Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and infighting in the state unit.