Amarinder Singh joins BJP, says 'time to do something for the country'

Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh also merged his newly formed Punjab Lok Congress with the BJP.

Former Punjab CM Amarinder Singh being welcomed by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Narendra Singh Tomar as he joins BJP in New Delhi (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Monday (September 19, 2022) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of senior leaders of the saffron party. The veteran leader also merged his newly formed Punjab Lok Congress (PLC) with the BJP. Singh had floated the PLC last year after quitting Congress following his unceremonious exit as chief minister.

"Now is the time to do something for the country. We have seen the Congress, now it is time to go to the party that has been doing so much for the country and its security. It is a pleasure being here," Singh said after joining BJP.

Former Punjab CM Shri @capt_amarinder merged his party Punjab Lok Congress (PLC) and joined BJP in presence of senior party leaders at BJP headquarters in New Delhi. #JoinBJP pic.twitter.com/5nMFtU1Hm1 — BJP (@BJP4India) September 19, 2022

Welcoming Singh and his party members into the BJP fold, Union minister Narinder Singh Tomar said that Captain Amarinder Singh has always considered the nation first and has kept the nation above everything.

"I welcome Amarinder Singh and his party into the BJP fold," he said.

He also noted that Punjab is a border state and it is important for the security of the nation that peace is maintained in the state.

"Capt Sahib's thought has been similar to that of the BJP, as BJP is the lone political party which considers the nation first and the party after that. Amarinder Singh has also maintained this view all his life. Capt Amarinder coming with the BJP means that he wants peace and security in Punjab. The BJP will be strengthened in Punjab with his joining. This will be a historic step," Tomar said.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju, who was also present on the occasion, said Punjab is a state which needs to be handled with care and asserted that they have seen Singh and his functioning.

"I would like to offer a hearty welcome to Amarinder Singh Ji. We all are extremely excited. This is an important milestone in India's political history," he said.
Punjab BJP chief Ashwani Sharma was also present on the occasion.

Former Punjab CM Shri @capt_amarinder joins BJP at party headquarters in New Delhi. #JoinBJP https://t.co/UURLEy51Q2 — BJP (@BJP4India) September 19, 2022

Singh had recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

After his meeting with Shah on September 12, Singh said he held a very productive discussion on various issues related to national security, rising cases of narco-terrorism in Punjab and the future roadmap for the state's overall holistic development.

Had a very productive meeting with Hon'ble Union Home Minister @AmitShah Ji.

Discussed various issues pertaining to National security, the rising cases of narco-terrorism in Punjab and the future roadmap for the overall holistic development of Punjab. pic.twitter.com/QKpGWg0DMX — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) September 12, 2022

(With agency inputs)