Amarinder Singh Says He Is Not Leaving BJP, Calls It His Duty to Speak on Punjab

Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Friday pushed back against speculation that he is preparing to leave the BJP, saying that airing his views on Punjab to party leaders does not amount to a decision to quit.

Speaking at the launch of a book in memory of former cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi, Singh said he has spent six decades in Punjab politics and that newer entrants have not sought his assessment of the state's situation. "It is my duty to tell them what my views and feelings are," he said, referring to BJP leaders.

Singh, 84, said he remains relevant and pointed to Morarji Desai, who became prime minister at an advanced age. "I am 84, but Morarji Desai was also 92...," he said.

He described the present period as difficult but did not elaborate on the reasons. "I'm already in trouble, so don't worry about me," he added in a lighter vein.

Singh also rejected the suggestion that he was on his way out of the party, recalling that he had moved between parties before — leaving the Congress for the Akali Dal around Operation Blue Star and later returning — and said such shifts do not mean he will now join another party. There has been speculation that he may quit the BJP and rejoin the Congress.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, who was present at the event, said he wanted to see Singh become chief minister again. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also attended, along with former cricketers Kapil Dev, Syed Kirmani and Madan Lal.

Describing cricket as a game of gentlemen that should always be promoted, Singh said the country is going through a difficult time and needs people to step forward.