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Amarinder Singh Replies To Rahul Gandhi (Img: X)
New Delhi: A remark by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi about former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has sparked a fresh political conversation in Punjab.
During an Instagram “Ask Me Anything” session with students and Gen Z users, Rahul Gandhi was asked about his favourite politician from the BJP. He named Amarinder Singh, describing him as a “cool” leader and praising his interest in military history. “Hello, uncle Amarinder,” Rahul said while recalling his personal equation with the former Punjab CM.
Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s comment, Amarinder Singh said it was “nice” of him to speak positively about him but stressed that personal relationships and political commitments are separate.
The former Punjab CM said he has known Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi since childhood and shared a long association with the Gandhi family. He also recalled his friendship with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, saying their personal bond has continued despite political differences.
Amarinder Singh highlighted that political affiliations do not necessarily affect personal relationships. Giving an example from his own family, he said that when he was a Congress MP, his mother belonged to a different political camp, but that never affected their relationship.
He maintained that he remains committed to the BJP despite his personal ties with the Gandhi family.
The Punjab BJP welcomed Rahul Gandhi’s praise for Amarinder Singh but questioned why Congress leaders recognised his contribution only after his exit from the party. BJP leaders said Amarinder remains one of Punjab’s tallest political figures and accused Congress of remembering him amid internal challenges.
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Congress leader Rana Gurjit Singh, however, said the Gandhi and Amarinder families have shared a long relationship and suggested that Amarinder’s departure from Congress was a loss for the party.
Amarinder Singh was one of Congress’ most influential leaders in Punjab. He led the party to victory in the 2017 Assembly elections and became chief minister for the second time.
However, differences with the Congress leadership led to his resignation as CM in 2021. He later left the party, formed the Punjab Lok Congress and eventually joined the BJP. Despite the political shift, Amarinder has continued to maintain personal respect for the Gandhi family while supporting the BJP’s leadership.
