Social media and news channels were abuzz on Tuesday afternoon over speculation that former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh would meet senior BJP leaders.
Amarinder was forced to resign as Punjab chief minister on September 18 after losing support of majority of the Congress legislators in Punjab. Following his resignation, Amarinder had lashed out at Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu. Since then, there had been speculation Amarinder could move to the BJP, particularly as he took to highlighting Sidhu's alleged friendship with Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan.
On Tuesday, media reports claimed Amarinder was travelling to Delhi and could meet Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief J.P. Nadda. Zee News reported Amarinder could join the BJP and be inducted into the Narendra Modi cabinet as Union agriculture minister. The outlet also claimed the BJP may help Amarinder "float a new political outfit in case he refuses to join BJP" and be part of the NDA.
However, a senior aide of Amarinder attempted to quash the speculation.
Raveen Thukral, who has been a popular face as Amarinder's media adviser, said the leader was on a "personal visit" to Delhi. Thukral tweeted, "Too much being read into @capt_amarinder’s visit to Delhi. He’s on a personal visit, during which he’ll meet some friends and also vacate Kapurthala house for the new CM. No need for any unnecessary speculation."
Kapurthala House is the official residence used by the Punjab chief minister whenever he or she is in Delhi.
