Amarinder Singh says will form new party ahead of Punjab polls

Former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday announced that he will form a political party of his own before the assembly elections in the state, but refused to divulge any more details about it. Singh was interacting with the media in Chandigarh

"Yes, I am forming a party. My lawyers are working on it. But I can't tell you the name, I will tell you when the Election Commission approves it. We have made a request for a symbol also," said Singh.

The move is on the expected lines, as Singh had said last week that he would soon launch his own party, and was hopeful of a seat arrangement with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) provided the ongoing farmers' stir against farm laws was resolved in their interest.

Singh said he will meet the Union home minister in Delhi on Thursday "along with 25-30 people" to discuss the Centre's three farm laws. Those expected to accompany him include three-four state leaders and farm experts.

The two-time former chief minister also lashed out at current incumbent Charanjit Singh Channi, who said that the state government will move Supreme Court against the Centre's decision to increase the jurisdiction of Border Security Force (BSF).

Singh is still to formally quit the Congress. When asked about it at the press conference today, he said, "I have been in the Congress for 52 years, if I stay in it for 10 more days what will happen."

He once again targeted Navjot Singh Sidhu, with whom he fought a long political battle.

Singh was made to resign as the chief minister on September 18 following months turbulence and tussle in the state unit during which Sidhu, who was appointed the state Congress president despite Singh's objections, and several ministers and legislators rebelled against him.

Assembly elections are due in Punjab next year.