As Punjab moves closer to 2027 Assembly elections the political discussions have once again started around former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and whether he could return to Congress party’s fold?
The latest round of speculation began after former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that Captain Amarinder Singh is "in touch" with Congress leaders and described that Captain as a senior Congress leader and a longtime colleague and since Hooda and Captain share a close friendship many political observers believe Hooda could be trying to help bring Captain back to Congress.
The discussion has also gained attention because Captain has repeatedly made positive comments about Congress in recent years.
However Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliyewal dismissed these speculation and said that simply being "in touch" should not be seen as a major political development and according to him Hooda only mentioned that they remain in contact and no hidden political meaning should be attached to the statement.
Several incidents over past few years have fueled reports that Captain may not be fully satisfied within BJP and one major issue was appointment of Sunil Jakhar as Punjab BJP president.
Captain had reportedly opposed this very move and felt that the party did not seek his opinion before making the decision.
Captain has also publicly compared working styles of Congress and BJP and said that during his time in Congress his advice was sought whenever important decisions were taken and according to him BJP works differently with decisions being made by top leadership and communicated downward while another issue is question of political alliances as Captain has supported the idea of an alliance between BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal for future elections in Punjab however, BJP leaders have repeatedly said that the party plans to contest all 117 Assembly seats on its own.
Captain has also spoken about difference in personal relationships between the two parties.
In earlier interviews he said he still misses Congress because it felt like a family and noted that Congress leaders were easily accessible whenever he needed to speak with them while talking about the same he also mentioned that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sent him birthday wishes and later expressed condolences after death of his brother Randhir Singh.
Captain said he did not receive similar sympathy messages from BJP leaders.
Political experts believe Captain's return could benefit Congress at a time when party is facing internal leadership challenges in Punjab.
Several senior Congress leaders including Punjab Congress President Raja Warring, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa are seen as part of different power centres within the party itself and reports have also suggested that Congress high command is considering organizational changes in Punjab before next Assembly election.
In such a situation Captain's experience and political influence could become valuable for the party as Captain remains one of the most recognizable faces in Punjab politics. He led Congress to victory in both 2002 and 2017 and continues to enjoy support in many parts of state and many Congress leaders who currently hold important positions in Punjab politics also worked under Captain's leadership in past.
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has already indicated that Captain would be welcomed if he chooses to return to the party and speaking on the issue Randhawa said Captain Amarinder Singh would receive a warm welcome in Congress.
Despite the ongoing speculation Captain Amarinder Singh himself has rejected possibility of returning to Congress and in an interview earlier he said there is "absolutely no question" of rejoining the party.
He argued that Congress is divided internally and claimed that the party is not in a position to form next government in Punjab.
For now there is no official indication that Captain Amarinder Singh is planning a return to Congress however Hooda's remarks and Captain's recent comments about both parties have ensured that political discussion continues as Punjab heads toward 2027 Assembly elections.
