He will float party, says Capt Amarinder Singh aide

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 30

With former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh announcing he was quitting the Congress, Punjab may see the formation of a new political party ahead of the Assembly polls. Sources claimed an announcement in this regard was expected within a fortnight.

Captain and the BJP leadership have been on the same page regarding several issues, especially those concerning national security. Therefore, an alliance or a tacit understanding between them is a possibility. A senior BJP leader observed: “Captain is nearly 80.

He cannot join the BJP which has decided against administrative posts for those aged above 75. Also, there are no indications that Captain is being backed by any big Congress leader. ”

Pointing out that the BJP did not have a strong base in Punjab, one of Captain’s aides said: “He is on his way to forming a party, and going by the current state of affairs in the Punjab Congress, certain leaders are expected to join him.There could be a post-poll alliance. Even if the new party wins 40 seats, the political equations will change. A fractured mandate could lead to President’s rule”.

Farmers’ leader Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan said Captain might mediate between the farmers and the BJP in an attempt to end their movement.