“AAP was a bubble that burst, a one-time wonder”

After 10 years in the wilderness, AMARINDER SINGH and the Congress have the reins to the state again. Excerpts from an interview with Asit Jolly

Q. Seventy-seven seats—a victory beyond expectations?

A. Frankly, I’d pegged us (Congress) at 66, plus or minus a couple of seats. It was Prashant Kishor who said that we would cross 70 if the AAP bubble bursts; if not, he told me, ‘you’ll be under 45 seats’. But as it is now evident, it wasn’t much of a bubble in the first place.

Q. But you admit the AAP had you in a bit of a sweat?

A. They did manage to create a huge hype via social media. And yes, it even set me thinking. The AAP claimed massive traction in the Malwa, in areas I’m very familiar with. But when I went out, in Bathinda, Barnala, Sangrur and Mansa, I had absolutely no doubt the people were on our side. In the end, it was nothing more than that sneaky little fellow (Kejriwal) trying to sell himself on social media.

Q. But the AAP is No. 2, with more seats than the SADBJP. Is it going be a triangular contest from now on?

A. I really don’t think so. You have to remember, the Akali Dal went down after two consecutive terms. Of the exodus from the party, people who think like you and me came to the Congress, but the radical fringe, they joined AAP. Soon you will see them back in the SAD fold. AAP was a onetime wonder that is over and will cease to exist by 2022.

Q. You accused the AAP of hobnobbing with radicals?

A. Absolutely. They have been collecting chaps, including NRIs in the US, Canada and Australia, who bear a bitter grouse against India.

Q. What were the key things that worked for you?

A. The assurance of stability. The people clearly saw that an anarchist outfit like the AAP was incapable. The people have seen us in government, they know our track record.

Q. You promised to go after the drug cartels?

A. Yes, I’ve given myself four weeks to eradicate the chitta scourge (synthetic narcotics). I have a plan... it will be put into action the moment we take over the government.

Q. ‘Anti-corruption’ was the big agenda in your last tenure? A. Yes, it was. But we will follow the rule of law. I have no plans of proceeding like Kejriwal screamed he would.