Ex-CM of Punjab Amarinder Singh set to form new party

Mr Singh had brushed off the likelihood of joining forces with the BJP last month after meeting with Union minister Amit Shah to set off a considerable buzz, saying they had just addressed the farmers’ protest.

On Tuesday, Punjab’s Ex-Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced that he would establish a new political party. If the farmers’ protest gets solved, he will consider a “seat arrangement” with the BJP and breakaway Akali groups ahead of next year’s assembly elections in the state.

Mr Singh had brushed off the likelihood of joining forces with the BJP last month after meeting with Union minister Amit Shah to set off a considerable buzz, saying they had just addressed the farmers’ protest.

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In a series of tweets on Tuesday evening, the former Chief Minister’s media advisor Raveen Thukral quoted him as saying, “Will soon announce the launch of my own political party to serve the interests of Punjab & its people, including our farmers who’ve been fighting for their survival for over a year”.

“Hopeful of a seat arrangement with @BJP4India in 2022 Punjab Assembly polls if #FarmersProtest is resolved in farmers’ interest. Also looking at alliance with like-minded parties such as breakaway Akali groups, particularly Dhindsa & Brahmpura factions,” read another tweet.

Singh quit as chief minister of Punjab last month after an intense dispute with Navjot Singh Sidhu and infighting in the state Congress. The party replaced him with Charanjit Singh Channi.

“The battle for Punjab’s future is on. Will soon announce the launch of my own political party to serve the interests of Punjab & its people, including our farmers who’ve been fighting for their survival for over a year,” Singh said Tuesday.

He also said he would not cease until he ensured the future of “my people and my state”.

“Punjab needs political stability and protection from internal and external threats. I promise my people I will do what it takes to ensure its peace and security, which is today at stake,” he was quoted as saying by his media adviser.