Former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh  denied any backend talks with Congress saying that the time for rapprochement is over. He also announced that he will launch his own political outfit soon.

“Reports of backend talks with Congress are incorrect. The time for rapprochement is over. I’m grateful to Sonia Gandhi ji for her support but will not stay in Congress now,” Captain Amarinder Singh’s aide Raveen Thukral quoted him as saying.

Singh further mentioned that he will launch his own party and will hold talks with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for an alliance ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab.

“I will soon launch my own party and will hold talks for seat-sharing with BJP, breakaway Akali factions and others for Punjab elections once farmers’ issue is resolved. I want to build a strong collective force in the interest of Punjab and its farmers,” the former Punjab CM said.

For the unversed, Amarinder Singh had on September 18 resigned as Punjab chief minister, following months of infighting between him and PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and accused the Congress party of humiliating him.

Later, Charanjit Singh Channi was sworn as the chief minister of Punjab.