At a time when there is a clamour for an anti BJP alliance in the country for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Punjab Congress on Wednesday made it clear that state unit was against any such move in Punjab.
Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday conveyed to the Congress high command the party state unit’s opinion against going for any political alliance in the state for the forthcoming elections.
After a meeting with senior AICC leaders, Capt Amarinder said they had discussed party matters, particularly related to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The AICC leaders present in the meeting included Ahmed Patel, AK Antony, Jairam Ramesh, Malikarjuna Kharge and Ghulam Nabi Azad. Captain Amarinder was joined by Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Sunil Jahkhar.
On the issue of alliance in Punjab, Capt Amarinder said both he and the Punjab Congress president had told the AICC leaders that the they would go on their own and win all the 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state. As far as a national alliance is concerned, it was up to the party high command to decide, he added, making it clear that the Congress in Punjab did not need any alliance.
The Chief Minister told mediapersons that he had informally taken the views of his cabinet colleagues after the cabinet meeting earlier today on the issue of alliance and all were unanimous that no tie-ups were needed and the party would win the LS polls in Punjab hands down.
To a question on legalizing cultivation of drugs in Punjab, the Chief Minister said he was not in favour of it and would not allow drugs to ruin the state. No matter what AAP MPs or others say, we don’t want any drugs to be grown in Punjab, he said.
Responding to a question on the Chandigarh issue, the Chief Minister reiterated that his government would not allow dilution of Punjab’s stake in the UT at any cost. His government, said Captain Amarinder, had categorically rejected the Union Government’s notification regarding Chandigarh UT cadre allocation.
Capt Amarinder said he would meet Union Food Minister on Thursday to discuss the CCL and procurement issues. He would be meeting the Prime Minister next week since the latter was busy on account of the Russian President’s visit over the next two days, he added.