Hooda’s ‘in touch’ remark fuels talk of Captain Amarinder Singh’s possible return to Congress ahead of Punjab polls
PTC Web Desk: Political circles in Punjab are abuzz with speculation over a possible return of former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to the Congress ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The discussion gained momentum after former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said Captain Amarinder remains in contact with Congress leaders.
Speaking to reporters, Hooda described Captain Amarinder as a senior Congress leader and an old colleague, adding that the two share a long-standing association. His comments have triggered fresh debate over whether efforts are underway to bring the veteran Punjab leader back into the party he once led.
The speculation comes at a time when Capt Amarinder has repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with the functioning of the BJP, the party he joined after parting ways with Congress in 2021.
In recent months, Captain Amarinder has publicly contrasted the working styles of Congress and the BJP. He has said that during his years in the Congress, the party leadership regularly sought his views on Punjab-related matters, whereas decisions in the BJP are often taken centrally without consulting state leaders.
The former CM has also pointed to what he described as a lack of personal outreach from BJP leaders. Captain Amarinder recently revealed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had personally sent him birthday wishes and later conveyed condolences following the death of his cousin. According to him, no similar gesture came from BJP leaders.
His remarks have been viewed by many political observers as a sign of growing unease within the saffron party.
Captain Amarinder Singh has also expressed reservations about the appointment of senior leader Sunil Jakhar’s successor and the broader leadership structure of the Punjab BJP. Earlier, he questioned the selection of party president Kewal Singh Dhillon, arguing that the leadership should have consulted experienced state leaders before taking such decisions.
He maintained that while Dhillon remained active in politics, his grassroots performance did not justify the expectations attached to the role.
Another issue believed to be causing differences is the BJP's electoral strategy in Punjab. Amarinder has consistently advocated exploring an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal to strengthen the opposition space in the state.
However, BJP leaders have repeatedly asserted that the party is preparing to contest all 117 Assembly seats on its own, leaving little room for alliance discussions at present.
Responding to the debate, Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal played down Hooda’s remarks, saying that being in contact with someone does not automatically indicate political negotiations.
He noted that Hooda had merely stated that Amarinder remained in touch with Congress leaders and cautioned against reading too much into the comment.
- PTC NEWS
