Capt Amarinder's discontent over BJP choice sparks political churn in Punjab; fuels speculation of return to Congress
Amarinder may hold Key to Congress revival in Punjab
By SATINDER BAINS
CHANDIGARH: Former Punjab Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Capt Amarinder Singh has triggered fresh political speculation in Punjab after openly expressing dissatisfaction over the appointment of Kewal Singh Dhillon as the new Punjab BJP president.
Capt Amarinder Singh's remarks that Dhillon would not be able to deliver the desired political results for the BJP have sent shockwaves through political circles. More significantly, the former Chief Minister publicly stated that he was not consulted before the appointment, indicating growing unease within the Punjab BJP leadership.
The development is particularly noteworthy because Kewal Singh Dhillon was once considered a close associate of Capt Amarinder Singh during their days in the Congress. Dhillon served as MLA from Barnala for two consecutive terms from 2007 to 2017 and was regarded as a key member of the former Chief Minister's political camp before joining the BJP.
Political observers believe Capt Amarinder Singh's criticism reflects his increasing marginalization within the BJP. Since merging his Punjab Lok Congress with the BJP, the veteran leader has largely remained on the sidelines and has rarely been seen playing an active role in shaping the party's strategy in Punjab.
Congress Return Rumours Gain Momentum
Amid the latest controversy, speculation has intensified regarding the possibility of Capt Amarinder Singh returning to the Congress fold. Sources in political circles claim that certain Congress leaders have been maintaining communication with the former Chief Minister as the party grapples with internal factionalism and organizational challenges.
The Congress is currently facing one of its most difficult phases in Punjab despite being the principal opposition party. The party's disappointing performance in the recently concluded local body elections has exposed organizational weaknesses and leadership challenges.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring suffered a major setback after failing to retain influence in his home turf of Gidderbaha. His wife also lost the municipal election, raising questions about the party's grassroots strength.
Leadership Change Debate Intensifies
The issue of leadership change within the Punjab Congress has gained momentum following a meeting of senior party leaders convened by the Congress high command on May 29. During the meeting, leaders reportedly expressed their views on organizational matters and electoral strategy ahead of the Assembly elections.
Also Read:BJP Will Form Government on Its Own in Punjab in 2027, Says State President Keval Singh Dhillon
According to party sources, some leaders demanded changes in the state leadership, including replacement of PPCC president Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa. The discussions have fuelled expectations that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi may take crucial decisions regarding the future leadership structure in Punjab.
AAP's Dominance Alters Political Equations
The political calculations of all opposition parties have been significantly affected by the impressive performance of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in the local body elections. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has emerged politically strengthened after AAP reportedly secured nearly 90 per cent of local bodies across the state.
Buoyed by the victory, Mann has already begun projecting confidence about retaining power in the 2027 Assembly elections.
The results have exposed the weakness of opposition parties. While Congress remained the principal opposition force, the BJP's performance was particularly disappointing, finishing behind AAP, Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and even independent candidates in several areas.
Could Capt Amarinder Become Congress's Trump Card?
Political analysts believe that a potential return of Capt Amarinder Singh to Congress could significantly alter Punjab's political landscape ahead of the Assembly elections.
Despite advancing age and reduced political activity, the former Chief Minister continues to enjoy goodwill among sections of farmers, urban moderates and traditional Congress supporters. His administrative experience and mass appeal remain assets that few Punjab leaders can match.
Many observers argue that the BJP failed to fully utilize Capt Amarinder Singh's political stature after he joined the party. A return to Congress, if it materializes, could provide the party with an experienced face at a time when it is struggling to project a united leadership.
Early Election Speculation
Adding another dimension to the political uncertainty are reports suggesting that the Punjab Assembly elections, scheduled for February 2027, could be advanced to November or December 2026. Though there is no official confirmation, such speculation has prompted political parties to accelerate organizational preparations.
With AAP riding high on electoral success, Congress battling internal divisions, the Akali Dal attempting a revival and the BJP searching for relevance, Punjab politics appears headed for an intense and unpredictable phase.
Whether Capt Amarinder Singh remains in the BJP or stages a dramatic return to the Congress may well become one of the defining political stories in the run-up to the next Assembly elections.
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