Can a central law be a national law with so many states against it?

A septuagenarian, Captain Amarinder Singh helms one of the most stable Congress-led ­state ­governments today. Unlike other states where internecine power struggles perennially undermine or threaten ­incumbent chief ministers, Singh administers his state without much opposition. He has his share of detractors, but none have succeeded in ­measuring up to the CM who once served in the Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army. Having completed three years of his current term as CM, Singh is now firmly ­focused on the ­remaining two. He spoke to editor-in-chief Ruben Banerjee about the challenges that confront him and the Congress.

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You have completed three years as Punjab CM. How would you rate your ­performance? Any disappointments?

I’ll the leave the ratings to you in the media. But I do think the people of Punjab are largely happy with our performance of the past three years. They see a Punjab that is progressing and peaceful. They see ­development all around. They see gangsters and ­criminals, and terrorists, ­either being eliminated or fleeing the state. They see ­industry coming back. They see farmers finally getting out of their vicious debt ­cycles. They see new schools, colleges and ­hospitals ­coming up, and old ones being upgraded. They see the youth finally getting the much-needed job ­opportunities, and ­getting weaned out of the drug menace.

All this makes me happy and satisfied at the way things have progressed in this period. Of course, there is more to be done, and I am confident we will be able to deliver on our remaining promises during the rest of my term. But I wouldn’t call them disappointments. It is part of a process, and a ­process of recovery takes time, especially when you look at the mess in which the previous SAD-BJP ­government left the state.

However, I have promised the people of Punjab that I will complete the recovery, howsoever long it takes.

“Recovery will take time, especially given the mess in which the SAD-BJP government left Punjab. But I have promised to complete it.”

What would be your priorities and challenges in the next two years of your term?