Obligation to tell BJP its views; does not mean leaving the party: Amarinder Singh

Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh launches a book titled ‘To Bishan, with Love: Celebrating a Lifetime of Memories’ on the life of former cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi compiled by his wife Anju Bedi in New Delhi on September 25, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said it is his duty to tell his party (BJP) how he feels about Punjab and that does not mean he is leaving the party.

He also said he was going through “difficult times” but did not elaborate.

Mr. Singh said he is 84 but not old yet, referring to Morarji Desai who became Prime Minister at a very late age.

“I am 84 but Morarji Desai was also 92…,” he said at the launch of a book ‘Bishan with Love’ in memory of former cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi on Friday (September 25, 2026). Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, who was also present, said he wanted Amarinder Singh to be the Chief Minister again and wished him so.

Apart from former cricketers Kapil Dev, Syed Kirmani and Madan Lal, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also present at the book launch.

Mr. Singh said, “Cricket is a gentleman’s game… it is a game that should always be promoted. So everything that is happening in our country today, Dr. Sahab can tell you much more than I can… But we are going through a tough time and we need people here…”

He also jokingly said, “I’m already in trouble, so don’t worry about me.”

Later, when asked why he was angry with the BJP, he said, “I have spent 60 years in Punjab politics. Some people came after us and were not even there for a year…. We have seen the situation in Punjab all these years but they did not even ask us.”

“It is my duty to tell them what my views and feelings are. I have not said that I am no longer relevant in Congress or BJP. Parties keep changing. When I was in Congress, I also went to Akali Dal for Operation Blue Star and later came back to Congress. It does not mean that I will now leave and join another party.”

“But it is my duty to tell them (BJP leaders) my views and what my feelings are,” Mr Singh said.

There has been speculation that Singh may quit the BJP and return to the Congress.

Published – 26 Sep 2026 10:41 IST