Former Indian ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, made a significant political move on Tuesday by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), amidst speculation that he might contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Amritsar, Punjab. Sandhu’s decision to join the BJP was marked by his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and party president J P Nadda for their support in his political journey.
The joining ceremony, attended by BJP general secretaries Vinod Tawde and Tarun Chugh, was a significant moment for Sandhu, who expressed his commitment to contributing to the party’s agenda. Highlighting the growth of the India-US relationship during his tenure as ambassador, Sandhu emphasized developmental initiatives, particularly in sectors such as the semiconductor industry.
Taking to social media platform X, Sandhu expressed his delight in interacting with the people of Amritsar, particularly thanking Pappu Mahajan for hosting him at Ranjit Avenue. His visit to Amritsar on Monday included discussions with community leaders on vital issues like infrastructure and agriculture, indicating his proactive approach to addressing local concerns.
Sandhu’s entry into politics comes at a crucial juncture as India prepares for the Lok Sabha polls, scheduled to commence on April 19 in seven phases, with counting of votes slated for June 4. With Prime Minister Modi seeking a third consecutive term, the political landscape is charged with anticipation, particularly as Modi aims to make history by equaling the record set by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.