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Summary:

Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, now a member of the BJP’s national executive, has publicly stated that he finds the BJP to be rigid in its approach compared to the Congress party, which he says is more flexible and consultative. Singh, who joined the BJP in 2022 after leaving the Congress in 2021, believes the BJP’s top-down decision-making, without sufficient consultation with local leaders, is hindering its ability to gain ground in Punjab, particularly ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. He contrasts this with his experience in the Congress, where he felt broader consultation and the value of experience were more prevalent.

News Article:

BJP ‘Rigid’ Compared to Congress, Says Amarinder Singh

CHANDIGARH, December 13, 2025 – In a potentially disruptive statement ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, Captain Amarinder Singh, former Chief Minister of Punjab and current member of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) national executive, has criticized the BJP’s approach as “rigid” compared to the Congress party.

Singh, who served as Chief Minister twice under the Congress banner, defected to the BJP in 2022 after merging his party, the Punjab Lok Congress (PLC). He had previously cited dissatisfaction with the conduct of Sonia Gandhi and her children as his reason for leaving the Congress in 2021.

Speaking to select media on Friday, Singh emphasized the challenges the BJP faces in gaining traction in Punjab. “Punjab is a different area…everywhere the BJP is pulling through, why not in Punjab?” he questioned. He attributed this to the party’s failure to adequately consult experienced local leaders.

“The decisions are taken at the upper level,” Singh explained. “Even in the Congress, the decisions were taken at the top level, but they used to consult us, everyone – MLAs, MPs’ views were taken. Here (BJP), I don’t think anyone has asked.”

When asked if he missed the Congress, Singh clarified, “No, the system there was different, I miss the system. A broader type of consultation used to take place there (Congress) and there was a value of experience, which is lacking here (BJP). Congress is more flexible in taking views, the BJP, I find, is a bit rigid in its approach.”

Singh’s comments are particularly significant given the BJP’s ongoing efforts to establish a stronger foothold in Punjab. The remarks are likely to fuel debate within the party regarding its strategy and approach to the upcoming elections.

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