Amarinder Singh has risen to the occasion in this crisis. Even in the past he has spoken out on key issues, even if that meant going against the Center or his own party. For example, he resigned from Congress after Operation Bluestar in 1984 and took on the UPA government on the Sutlej Yamuna Canal issue in 2004-05.
This crisis may have helped the Captain overcome discontent against his regime, especially after allegations of corruption against his ministers. Even when this turns into a legal confrontation with the Center, Amarinder Singh is likely to continue to lead this battle. However, he continues to face dissent within Congress.
Akali Dal
The Shiromani Akali Dal initially supported the Center’s ordinances, but had to withdraw from the NDA following widespread protests in Punjab. Since then, he has tried to make up for his initial support by being extremely proactive through street protests.
To some extent, Akali Dal may have managed to overcome the shock of her initial mistake. It has been the main beneficiary of the exodus of cadres away from the BJP.
But you may need to do more to regain the popularity it has lost in recent years.
AAP
The Aam Aadmi Party has been extremely firm in its position against the laws of the Center. The party has actively protested against the laws. However, Akali Dal may have surpassed it in terms of street protests, at least due to a superior cadre force.
The AAP is now attacking not only the Center, but also Captain Amarinder Singh, saying that the Punjab Bills are insufficient and that they really do not go against the Center Bills. AAP Coordinator and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had a Twitter discussion with Captain Amarinder Singh on this issue.
Sangrur AAP MP and his most prominent face in Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, accused the congressional government of introducing “NDA bills” in the Assembly.
BJP
Alienated in Punjab, the BJP as of now appears poised to dig its heels. The party’s top leadership feels that since there is not much support for him in Punjab anyway, there is nothing to lose and that the party should not back down on its laws.
There is also a strong belief in the party that the protests in Punjab are “motivated”. This belief is likely to shape the Modi government’s response to the Punjab bills, and the Center is unlikely to back down.
.
