{
  "id": 9899754,
  "title": "Amarinder says BJP didn't seek his views on Punjab; AAP calls him 'opportunistic'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/amarinder-says-bjp-didnt-seek-his-views-on-punjab-aap-calls-him",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-26T03:16:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amarinder-says-bjp-didnt-seek-his-views-on-punjab-aap-calls-him-opportunistic/articleshow/134496346.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh has expressed his frustration over not being consulted on state matters, stating that his and other experienced leaders' views were not sought. Speaking to PTI, Singh said, \"I have spent 60 years in Punjab politics. I am not alone; there are other colleagues with me. We have seen the situation in Punjab over all these years, but at one point, they did not even ask us.\" Singh emphasized that as people from the region, it is his duty to voice his opinions and feelings. However, he clarified that his comments should not be misconstrued as a sign of leaving the BJP or returning to the Congress. Singh mentioned that he had previously switched from the Congress to the Akali Dal over Operation Blue Star and later returned to the Congress, which does not mean he will now leave and join another party. His remarks come amid questions about his political relevance in Punjab and his relationship with the BJP. Singh has been associated with the BJP since leaving the Congress and merging with it in 2022. Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) general secretary and media in-charge Baltej Singh Pannu criticized Singh, calling him an \"opportunistic\" political leader, claiming that he would be at the top of a list of such leaders if a list were made. Pannu questioned Singh's record as chief minister and the people of Punjab's rejection of him, asking, \"What did he do for Punjab? He couldn't do anything.\"",
  "summary": "Captain Amarinder Singh has expressed disappointment at not being included in discussions regarding Punjab's political direction. With over sixty years of political experience, he believes his insights are valuable. Singh clarified that his recent comments do not indicate a departure from the BJP or a return to the Congress. Meanwhile, AAP leader Baltej Singh Pannu criticized Singh as…",
  "key_points": [
    "Amarinder Singh frustrated over not being consulted on state matters",
    "BJP didn't seek his views on Punjab, AAP calls him opportunistic",
    "Singh emphasizes duty to voice opinions, denies leaving BJP"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu",
        "title": "Duty to tell BJP my views; doesn't mean leaving party: Amarinder Singh",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/duty-to-tell-bjp-my-views-doesnt-mean-leaving-party-amarinder-singh",
        "published": "2026-09-26T05:11:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}