The book launch of "Bishan with Love" – a memorial to the late cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi – drew a small but notable crowd in Chandigarh on Friday. Among the attendees were Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Farooq and Omar Abdullah, former cricketers Kapil Dev, Syed Kirmani, and Madan Lal, each nodding in respect for the veteran’s legacy.
Amarinder Singh, who served as Punjab’s chief minister from 2002‑2007 and again in 2017, has long been a pillar of the BJP in the state. During his brief speech, he stressed that his commitment to the party remains intact, yet he feels compelled to share his concerns about its direction in Punjab. "I am 84, but Morarji Desai was also 92…" he remarked, drawing a quiet laugh from the audience.
He also mentioned that he is going through "difficult times" – a vague comment that analysts interpret as hinting at mounting pressure from party leadership. Farooq Abdullah, present at the launch, said he wished Singh could become chief minister again, but he acknowledged the senior leader’s reluctance to step away from the BJP.
The remarks come as Punjab approaches the state elections scheduled for 2027. Political analysts speculate that Singh’s stance could signal a fissure within the BJP, potentially prompting a shift in voter dynamics. The party’s central committee is expected to convene a meeting next month to address the concerns raised by the veteran leader.