NEW DELHI, July 18: Cricketer-turned-BJP leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, who quit as Rajya Sabha MP today, is all set to join the AAP which could be a shot in the arm for the party’s prospects in the Punjab Assembly polls slated next year.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hailed Sidhu’s resignation from the Upper House, saying it requires courage to give up a Rajya Sabha membership to “save” his State.
Top AAP sources said the 52-year-old politician will join the party in a few days’ time. There was speculation that Sidhu may be in the race for AAP’s Chief Ministerial candidate in the State.
“People can give their rt hand for an RS seat. Ever seen a sitting RS MP resigning to save his State? I salute Sidhu ji for his courage,” Kejriwal, who is currently touring Punjab, tweeted.
AAP’s senior leader and party’s Punjab affairs in-charge, Sanjay Singh said “Navjot Singh Sidhu has taken a brave step by resigning from membership of Rajya Sabha and I welcome his decision. The official announcement will be done at the right time.
“In the war between the dharma and adharma, he will come along. It’s a good sign that righteous forces are coming together,” he said, adding that Sidhu and his wife have been consistently raising voice against the drug mafia, about the plight of farmers and other issues concerning the welfare of the people.
Party sources said the parlays with Sidhu, who was also upset with the BJP, were on for the past few months and he will join the party soon.
Sidhu’s wife, who is a BJP MLA from Amritsar (Rural) is also expected to follow suit.
However, the party is still tight-lipped over declaring him as its Chief Ministerial face.
Sidhu’s decision came on a day when AAP chief Kejriwal is touring Punjab as part of the party’s intense push to capture power in the northern state by defeating the incumbent SAD-BJP alliance and Congress in a triangular contest. He is also expected to meet Kejriwal soon.
The buzz of Sidhu joining the AAP was on after the party won four Lok Sabha seats from Punjab. He was also reportedly upset over the party denying ticket to him from Amritsar. The party, however, tried to pacify him by sending him to Rajya Sabha.
The BJP leader, who was recently nominated to the Upper House, has been at odds with the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal was also vocal against his party’s alliance with it.
AAP’s Punjab convenor Sucha Singh Chhotepur hailed Sidhu’s decision and said the party was “looking forward” to welcome him.
“Navjot Singh Sidhu is most welcomed to join @AamAadmiParty @sherryontopp @AAPPunjab2017. Appreciate Navjot Sidhu and Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu Move, looking forward for their Welcome to @AAPPunjab2017 @AamAadmiParty @DrDrnavjotsidhu (sic),” he tweeted.
Asked if Sidhu could be made AAP’s CM candidate in case he decides to take the plunge, AAP’s Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann said, “Whoever joins AAP, he is clearly told that it has to be unconditional.”
Sidhu, a former Lok Sabha MP from Amritsar, was convicted in a culpable homicide case in Patiala and is out on bail. (PTI)
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