This Article is From Apr 18, 2014

If Patiala peg is the definition of being a true Punjabi, then I am not: Arun Jaitley to NDTV

Amritsar: The Buck Stops Here travels to Amritsar, where BJP's Arun Jaitley is pitted against Congress' Amarinder Singh. Mr Jaitley responds to Captain Amarinder's 'outsider' charge with a Patiala peg swipe. He says if the measure of being a Punjabi is a Patiala peg, then he is happy being an outsider.

Following are the highlights of the interview:

  • Amarinder is a discourteous man; his conduct doesn't reflect his legacy (On Amarinder Singh calling him an outsider; a pseudo-Punjabi)
  • Amarinder is not capable of a serious discussion; unbeatable in tu-tu-main-main
  • I have an ancestral connection with Amritsar
  • If Patiala peg is the definition of being true Punjabi, then I am not
  • Amarinder responsible for property tax burden on Amritsar
  • Being accessible is not Amarinder Singh's virtue
  • Amritsar voters relish the idea of me representing them in Parliament
  • Amritsar a vibrant city; it's looking for a strong voice in Parliament
  • Don't regret choosing Amritsar; sure of my win
  • Not taking this election lightly; determined to win
  • I have been in politics since 1977; contesting is a learning experience
  • Navjot Singh Sidhu upset with the local politics, not with me
  • Navjot Singh Sidhu was, and still is, my closest friend in the BJP
  • Narendra Modi is an issue here; Amritsar euphoric about change
  • Narendra Modi's ratings are ten to fifteen points higher than BJP
  • Narendra Modi acted according to law, the Congress made his wife an issue
  • All leaders must be mindful of their language (On Amit Shah)
  • No witch-hunt, but Robert Vadra will pay if he has done wrong
  • Rajnath Singh meeting clerics is different from Sonia-Bukhari meet; he didn't seek any appeal from clerics, Sonia did

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