Former Vidhan Sabha deputy speaker Bir Devinder Singh is cosying up to the Congress. While talking to the media here on Tuesday, he gave ample indication of his intention to join the party he had served for more than three decades, before saying it goodbye. He claimed that he was in constant touch with the new state Congress chief, Partap Singh Bajwa.
“I admire Bajwa. He has risen from grassroot level and is hard working. Most importantly, he is accessible to all. There is hell of a difference between him and outgoing PPCC president Captain Amarinder Singh. The latter was the major reason for me to leave the Congress. He had put to naught my years of selfless service,” he said. Asked if he would now join the Congress, when a change of guard had taken place, he neither denied nor confirmed. "I'm in touch with the new PPCC chief. Let us see how things turn out,” he added.
After snapping ties with the Congress, Bir Devinder had joined the SAD in 2009 and after a brief stint, had shifted loyalties to Manpreet Singh Badal-led People's Party of Punjab (PPP). He had unsuccessfully contested last assembly election from SAS Nagar on a PPP ticket but later bade it adieu.
Bir Devinder said that a strong Congress was the need of the hour. “During Captain's time, Congress cadre was demoralised. I hope that with the advent of new leadership, it gets rejuvenated,” he remarked. Commenting on the prospects of Captain Amarinder, he said removal from the state president's post was not the end of road for him. “In politics, there never is a full stop to one's career as long as he is physically active. As of now, Captain cannot be appointed ambassador or a governor of a state as criminal cases are pending against him, but he can be adjusted in the organisation,” Bir Devinder said.
{{/usCountry}}Bir Devinder said that a strong Congress was the need of the hour. “During Captain's time, Congress cadre was demoralised. I hope that with the advent of new leadership, it gets rejuvenated,” he remarked. Commenting on the prospects of Captain Amarinder, he said removal from the state president's post was not the end of road for him. “In politics, there never is a full stop to one's career as long as he is physically active. As of now, Captain cannot be appointed ambassador or a governor of a state as criminal cases are pending against him, but he can be adjusted in the organisation,” Bir Devinder said.
{{/usCountry}}On the pandemonium in the assembly, the former deputy speaker said that whatever happened in and out of the House was unfortunate but now that the leader of the Opposition had expressed regret, the ruling party should come forward to break the impasse. “Parkash Singh Badal is expected to show magnanimity and statesmanship to take the initiative to resolve the matter and make way for the smooth running of the session,” he said.