The Tribune interview: Capt Amarinder Singh, Punjab CM
Lauding the voters, CM Capt Amarinder Singh, in an interview with Rajmeet Singh, said the people had voted for development, peace and stability and against regressive and divisive policies. Excerpts:
How do you view the results?
A clear endorsement of our policies and a validation of our stand on key issues, including farm laws. The Congress has delivered on its promises over the past four years.
Do you think farmers’ stir had bearing on the outcome?
The issue has touched the entire nation. With its largely agrarian society, Punjab is affected more than many other states by the Centre’s anti-farmer stance. The issue has exposed the apathy of the BJP and its former ally SAD and even AAP. People have realised that a vote for any of these parties would be a vote against Punjab.
Repeal agri laws, Capt urges Centre
I again appeal to the Centre not to take farm protest lightly and repeal the contentious laws — Capt Amarinder Singh
How do you rate SAD, AAP performance?
Pathetic. Neither of these parties is even a close second to the Congress. Their fluctuating stand on the farm laws and farmers’ stir has made matters worse for them.
What’s message for BJP?
The clear message is mend your ways or be ready to be wiped out of the Indian polity. Today, it is Punjab, next will be the states going to the polls later this year. Finally, the saffron party will be dethroned unceremoniously. The BJP has been trampling over democratic and constitutional principles since it came to power at the Centre in 2014. It has become even more despotic and autocratic since 2019, when it was re-elected with a clear majority. All its actions are aimed at dividing the society on the lines of caste and religion. Its leaders have been working only for their own good and that of their crony capitalist friends.
As against 2019 LS polls, the Congress has done well in urban areas. What are the reasons?
I don’t look at these results as a referendum of any sort. Rather, I would call it a validation of trust and confidence the people have reposed in us. I am thankful to the Almighty that I have been able to sustain with the support of my colleagues and Punjabis within and outside the state. As for better performance, parliamentary and civic elections are driven by different issues. The LS polls are centered on national issues, while in the municipal elections, local issues are more relevant. The work that my government and the Congress have done on the ground is there for all to see.
What changes do you see in country’s political spectrum in the last one year?
There have been major changes in the political spectrum over the past one year, which have completely exposed all other parties, be it the SAD, AAP or the BJP. From the CAA to farm laws, all sorts of legislations have been imposed by the BJP aimed at disturbing peace and stability of Punjab and the nation as a whole.
As for the SAD and AAP, their double standards on key issues have exposed their claims of being pro-people. The people have seen through their lies, deceit, and their anti-Punjab agenda. In contrast, the Congress has worked hard and relentlessly for the development and progress of the state. This has resulted in an even bigger swing in its favour than what political experts had projected.
Punjab civic body mandate for liberal policies: Amarinder
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