A Noticeable Absence
In the heat of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, the absence of former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh from the BJP campaign has become a talking point. The 82-year-old political veteran was conspicuously missing from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Patiala, which is also the home turf of his wife, Preneet Kaur. Preneet is contesting on a BJP ticket from this constituency.
Health Issues or Political Strategy?
Captain Amarinder’s close aides and state BJP officials attribute his absence to health issues. According to a close aide, Amarinder had written a letter to PM Modi informing him of his inability to attend the rally due to his ill health. It was Amarinder who had initially requested Modi to hold a rally in Patiala in support of Preneet.
Punjab BJP spokesman Pritpal Singh Baliawal elaborated, stating that Amarinder was hospitalized when Preneet filed her nomination papers on May 13. Although he was later discharged, he suffered from gastroenteritis and was too weak to participate in the campaign. Baliawal noted, “For Prime Minister’s rally, it was certain that he would be on the stage. But he felt too weak to come and speak. He wrote a letter to the PM expressing his inability to attend the rally, which was handed over to PM by Preneet Kaur on the rally stage.”
Amarinder’s Political Journey
Amarinder Singh, a scion of the Patiala royal family, has had a distinguished political career. As a former Congress heavyweight and two-time Chief Minister, he was a prominent campaigner for the party, not only in Punjab but also in other states. In September 2022, after quitting Congress, Amarinder merged his Punjab Lok Congress with the BJP, becoming the tallest BJP leader in the state.
The Current Campaign Landscape
The BJP, contesting the Lok Sabha polls in Punjab without its former ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), is striving to establish its presence independently. The party is contesting all 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state, which will go to vote on June 1. Amid this crucial election, Amarinder’s absence has been a setback for the state BJP, causing concern among party members. His silence on social media has further fueled worries.
Despite his absence, after PM Modi’s rally in Patiala, Amarinder took to social media to thank the constituency for its overwhelming support for the Prime Minister’s visit.
Preneet Kaur’s Tough Battle
Preneet Kaur, a former Union Minister and four-time winner of the Patiala seat as a Congress candidate, faces a tough contest this time. She is up against formidable opponents from the ruling AAP, Congress, and SAD. Her campaign has faced significant challenges, including heckling by agitating farmers. On May 4, a farmer tragically died during a protest in Sehri village, which has further complicated her campaign.
Conclusion
Captain Amarinder Singh’s absence from the campaign trail has undoubtedly impacted the BJP’s efforts in Punjab. While his health issues are cited as the reason, the political ramifications of his absence are significant, especially in such a crucial election. As Preneet Kaur battles to retain her seat, the coming days will reveal how much this absence will affect the BJP’s fortunes in Punjab.