THE CAPTAIN'S OPTIONS

The former Punjab chief minister’s exit from the Congress is all but certain, and what he does next is likely to reorder the state’s political equations

- Anilesh S. Mahajan

After three days of closed-door meetings with political leaders in New Delhi, former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh returned to the state on September 30. Landing at Chandigarh airport, he made it clear to waiting media persons that while he was firm on his decision to leave the Congress—and that he would formally announce his exit at a later date—he would not be joining the BJP. There is widespread speculation that the Captain is planning to float a new political party, with many saying he will make an announcement in this regard within the next fortnight, probably around Dussehra.

The Captain’s rebellion complicates Punjab’s already turbulent politics. With the assembly election just months away, he will face many challenges in his bid to carve out an independent political space, from party financing to legacy issues— Amarinder is seen as a reclusive leader and while he no longer holds the chief ministership, he may still have to contend with anti-incumbency sentiment accrued over the four-and-a-half years he led the state. Those close to him believe his brand of nationalism will ensure he retains public support, as will his reputation as a moderate Sikh. “And his age is just a number. In 2012, Parkash Singh Badal was 84 when he was sworn in as chief minister,” says a close associate.