The Congress high command forced the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday amid the high political drama, ahead of a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting convened by the AICC.
Apart from the last 6 months where Amarinder seemed more involved in the farmer’s protest drama and party rift with bitter arch-rival Sidhu, Amarinder will always be remembered as a nationalist who defied to be the puppet of the Congress high command.
In fact, the long-time Congress leader even hinted at quitting the party while speaking to reporters on Saturday. “I am feeling humiliated. I have been in politics for 52 years. I will talk to my supporters and then I will decide on my future in politics,” Captain Amarinder said.
Read more: Punjab’s Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has resigned
Captain against Khalistan
Captain Amarinder Singh never gave in to Kalistani appeasement for vote bank politics, instead, he spoke openly against them. He has been one of the most vocal Congress leaders in countering the Khalistani movement both in the state and abroad. His policies have ensured that the Khalistani separatist movement does not rear its head in the state and these comments only reiterate his firm stand. He also urged Prime Minister Modi to take strong actions against Khalistani extremism and to mount global pressure on Canada to stop the usage of its sovereign territory for anti-India activities.
Over the past few years, Canada has become a breeding ground for Khalistani extremists owing to their tacit support of the Trudeau administration. Captain Amarinder Singh even lashed out at the Canadian government for its support of the Khalistani movement. Punjab CM cited the findings of the John Major Commission into the 1985 Kanishka bombing and warned Ottawa against anti-India activities on its sovereign territory might spiral down to adverse security situation in Canada. He even raised the “Khalistan issue” with Trudeau and was assured that Canada does not and will not support any separatist movement in India or elsewhere. Captain Amarinder Singh gave Trudeau a list of nine Category ‘A’ Canada-based operatives alleged to be involved in hate crimes, terrorist activities, and trying to radicalize young people and children in Punjab.
Read more: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh lashes out at Canada for its support to Khalistani movement
Captain against Drug-menace
Last ten years in the politics of Punjab, the biggest issue that has cropped up is that of drug abuse. The destruction of the drugs mafia came when Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh took to power and asserted that his government would not rest till every single drug smuggler/trader is behind bars, and the drug mafia is completely eliminated. “Government would not rest till every single drug smuggler/trader is behind bars and the drug mafia is completely eliminated from Punjab’s soil and the state is freed from the menace,” said an official spokesperson in a written statement.
With narco-terrorists from across the border continuing to push drugs into Punjab, using drones and other routes, Captain’s strong stance against Pakistani and anti-national elements broke the back of the drugs mafia. The Punjab government under Amarinder was successful in seizing supplies from other states and Pakistan and has arrested a large number of peddlers and smugglers. Moreover, The state government also had plans to revamp rehab centres and also reach out to private players for help. As supplies were low, addicts were unable to calibrate doses, leading to fatalities. The BJP, running with the Shiromani Akali Dal, had also supported Captain in this battle against the drug mafia.
Read more: Amarinder chooses PM Modi’s side after Rahul’s unsavoury comment about Jallianwala Bagh
Captain gave a big blow to the drug business of Punjab. He had also targeted politicians making money through drugs. In fact, he made it compulsory for all government employees to take a drug test during the appointment and before a promotion is awarded.
Read more: When his own party abandoned him, PM Modi stood with Captain Amarinder singh
The antipathy of Congress towards Amarinder Singh is an old internal strife in Congress. Being a nationalist in the Congress party is perhaps the main reason why Singh could not capitalise on his governance dream to the fullest. Captain Amarinder Singh was among the few leaders in the Congress who had the courage to stand up to the Gandhis and openly defy them. Moreover, he never let the Congress high command pull his strings or control him, which eventually led to his resignation. With Amarinder’s resignation, the BJP will be benefitted in the upcoming Punjab elections as Amarinder’s exit from the party will eventually mark the end of the age-old Congress Party in the state.