Capt Amarinder Singh (Source: Express photo by Sumit Malhotra) Capt Amarinder Singh (Source: Express photo by Sumit Malhotra)

After months of infighting, Capt Amarinder Singh replaces Partap Singh Bajwa as Punjab Congress chief. The two leaders talk about their plans and each other in separate interviews.

As soon as you were appointed, party workers as well as people of the state broke into revelry. How do you hope to meet the expectations that so many people have of you?

I received 2,000 telephone calls, 6,000 messages on WhatsApp and 700 SMSes, while 3.5 lakh people congratulated me on Facebook where I got 12,000 likes. I am overwhelmed by such support. I will try my best to meet their expectations. I have the advantage of 47 years’ experience in politics and five years as a chief minister. If voted to power, I will start from day one. We will resolve farmers’ issues, get experts to provide new cropping patterns so that agriculture becomes a viable option again and farmers are not driven to suicide. We will find ways to fill the state’s coffers and create jobs.

READ | Former Punjab Congress chief Partap Singh Bajwa’s interview

What will your priorities be once you take over as Punjab PCC chief?

The biggest problem in the state currently is unrest. Since 70 per cent of our population are below 40, unemployment is a strong reason for creating unrest and drives youths to drugs. When Rahul Gandhi came to Punjab and we were talking to youth, I was told unemployment is the biggest problem. I will engage with them, learn about their expectations and work towards finding solutions. They are without jobs as our industry has taken flight, real estate is no more profitable and we are not getting new players in industry. If we are elected, we will address all these issues besides the empty coffers by getting more industries in the state.

Is AAP a threat to the Congress in Punjab? Especially when Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected to come to the state to campaign?

The people cannot take the risk of AAP, a party of inexperienced people. Even if he should come as a CM candidate who would hand over Delhi to his deputy, people would not want him. Who wants a Haryanvi in Punjab when all our issues are with Haryana? We have an issue of water sharing, territory with Haryana. He is not going to sell in Punjab. He can campaign as much as he like. He was with Anna Hazare earlier, vowed they would not get into politics. Now, he has failed in Delhi and blaming the Union government for all his failures. He has not been able even to address garbage issues.

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has alleged that you engage in the politics of confrontation.

I am not a confrontationist. He is the one who has challenged me to hold a sizeable rally in Bathinda. He is just indulging in politics. There are bigger issues that need attention in Punjab.

The youth could be AAP’s route to power. How will you win them over?

I will go and interact with them in universities and colleges and see what they demand and what we have to offer. I did the same at Khalsa College in Amritsar. We got huge support from them. Even in the Amritsar Lok Sabha election, they supported us. People in Punjab have a lot of affection for me. I will not let them down.

You have been criticised in the past as a leader who allegedly works through coteries. Do you agree?

They use the wrong word for my team. I have a strong team, which is my sounding board. All the decisions have always been mine. I have been open to every sort of advice from my party. I talk to professors, intellectuals and everybody who can give me suggestions. I am accessible.

There are concerns about your health.

I have no problem with my health, just that I am a diabetic. I keep it under control. It is not a problem.

Your predecessor faced his first revolt when he reorganised the PPCC. How will you handle something similar?

Whenever a president goes, the unit has to be reorganised. I will take everybody together. I have already spoken to Bajwa and invited him to the Bathinda rally, where I will officially take over as PCC president. He has agreed to come.

Are you satisfied with the way you have been handed over the reins of the party when others too have been named office-bearers?

I have no issues with Lal Singh as he has been my friend. The same with Ambika Soni. We will all work together.

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