Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, September 18
Capt Amarinder Singh’s resignation today opened prospects for the BJP in the poll-bound state where its stake and chances are limited and where its leaders are facing widespread protests over farm laws.
Observers say only “his age and the three contentious laws stand between the two (BJP and Amarinder) because Capt’s nationalist image works well for both the party and its ideological fountainhead RSS”. Soon after he resigned, Capt accused Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu of having “ties with Pakistan” and warned that “his elevation as CM will be a threat to national security”.
However, the BJP, which slammed the Congress as a “complete failure on all fronts”, steered clear of criticising Capt Amarinder. “The mafia raj of the Congress in Punjab will prove to be the last nail in its coffin in Punjab,” national general secretary Tarun Chugh said, adding that “replacing the CM is a panic reaction of the Congress high command to salvage the party situation after it failed to deliver in the last more than four-and-a-half years”.
At 79, Amarinder Singh is beyond the BJP’s unofficial cut-off age for a CM. Whether he is looking for the job or is open to the idea remains to be seen. However, for a party looking for a credible face to support, even if it is from outside, age is an issue that can be easily overlooked. “Punjab is a border state and needs political stability. The (75-year) rule is not cast in stone. Besides, there are always opportunities in politics,” said a BJP leader.
Of age bar rule
- At 79, Capt Amarinder is beyond BJP’s unofficial cut-off age for a CM
- However, for a party looking for a credible face to support, even if it is from outside, age is an issue that can be overlooked
- “Punjab is a border state and needs political stability. The (75-year age) rule is not cast in stone,” said a BJP leader
BJP slams Congress, steers clear of criticising Capt Amarinder Singh
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