In a sharp rebuttal to former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Congress legislator Pargat Singh on Tuesday dismissed the idea of a renewed alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating their core ideologies are fundamentally at odds.
Ideological Contradiction at the Core
Pargat Singh, issuing a statement from Jalandhar, argued that the BJP's national agenda of centralising authority directly conflicts with the regional aspirations championed by the Akali Dal. He asserted that the BJP seeks to weaken states and consolidate all power, while the SAD is inherently a party focused on Punjab's specific interests. The Congress leader pointed out that even during their previous lengthy coalition, the two parties failed to establish a harmonious working relationship for the state's benefit.
Alliances of Convenience, Not Principle
The MLA took aim at the motivation behind such political partnerships. He suggested that Captain Amarinder Singh, with his vast experience, is well aware that alliances are frequently driven by a "hunger for power" rather than shared principles. Pargat Singh predicted that if the BJP and Akali Dal reunite, it would be solely for political expediency, not a principled coalition. He further criticised the BJP's internal dynamics, claiming only Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have a voice, leaving other leaders unheard.
BJP's Record on Punjab Issues Questioned
Elaborating on his stance, Pargat Singh listed several key areas where he believes the BJP leadership has consistently failed Punjab. He mentioned the prolonged farmers' agitation, the unresolved matter of Chandigarh's status, and concerns regarding institutions like Panjab University. According to him, the former Chief Minister's remarks not only confirm the reality of the BJP's top-down structure but also act as a mirror to the party's disregard for regional issues. The Congress MLA's comments highlight the ongoing political realignments and tensions within Punjab's political landscape as parties position themselves for future electoral battles.
