Capt. Amarinder always had easy opponents, now he has to face me: Ex army chief

Throwing a challenge to Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh, former army chief turned politician retired General J.J. Singh of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Sunday said the former had always won easy elections as there was no challenging opponents.

"He has always won easy elections because there was no challenging opponent but now he has to face me...and let's see what happens," he said.

Calling his victory code as 'sampurna fateh' (complete victory), General (rtd.) Singh added that his strategy is to serve people and give mind, body and soul to accomplish his task of winning the election.

"I am not for winning or losing. Just want to win hearts of the people and if I am able to do that then ultimately I will triumph," he added.

Gen (retd.) Singh yesterday joined the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and he is set to take on Captain Amarinder Singh from Patiala Urban seat in the February 4 state assembly elections.

71-year-old Singh, who also served as the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, joined the SAD here in the presence of party president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Earlier, Captain Amarinder said in a press conference that it would be for the first time in the history of army that a "Captain will defeat the General", when asked about his reaction over SAD fielding General (retd.) Singh against him.