By Satinder Bains
CHANDIGARH: Former BJP MP and crickter Navjot Singh Sidhu who formally launched Awaaz-e Punjab a non political forum here today has left behind a train of questions and confusion over his furture course of action. The key question-Is Sidhu using his forum as pressure group to strike a deal with Aam Aadmi Party(AAP)?
Navjot Sidhu had sought a time of 15 days to think over what is in the interest of Punjab. He said that he would take the final call after deliberating the issue of better alternative for Punjab. He also said that he went to Kejriwal since he felt that AAP is best alternative to replace Badal Goverrnment. However, it appeared from his nerratives that he had refused to join AAP for his personal reasons. He told media that he had asked Kejriwal during meeting to define role for him in the party. Obviously, Navjot Sidhu wanted to hear from the mouth of Kejriwal that he (Sidhu) would be face of Chief Minister's post. Kejriwal had however disppointed Sidhu when he asked him not to contest and let his wife contest as only one person from the family can contest.
It appeared from the statement of Sidhu that he was ambitious and keen to become Chief Minister of Punjab. He defined himself as 'decoration piece' in BJP and said that it was not acceptable to him that AAP would also use him as decoration piece. He said that he was campaigning for BJP for the last six years but he was aksed to stay asway from Punjab.
Navjot Sidhu has in fact exposed his hidden ambitions during course of his mouthful talk with media. He took the plea that he had not resinged due to AAP but due to voice of his conscience.It seems Sihdu is trapped in a situation from where he is now looking for escape route. His forum in an oblique manner has conveyed to Arvind Kejriwal that they(Awaaz-e-Punjab) may become sportspoilers.
Sidhu has joined hands with SAD MLA Pargat Singh, suspended from party and Balwinder Singh Bains and Simranjit Singh Bains independent MLAs from Ludhiana. Interestingly all of them were at one time wanted to join AAP but their demands were not acceptable to AAP. While Sidhu was demanding a role for him and his wife, Bains brothers wanted seats for their supporters. Pargat Singh former Hockey Captain seemed committed to Sidhu and he stood by him. Neither Sidhu and his wife not Pargat Singh have yet resigned from their respective parties.
The group of five politicians from different political backgrounds may not have any political strength to provide alternative of Badal government but surely they have the portential of spoiling the game of AAP. Some journalist also tried to ask him question that would not his fourth front split the anti-Badal vote and it would be win win situation for Badals. He was not able to answer the questioin except saying only the people of Punajb would decide to whome thet wanted to vote. He concluded that after fifteen days they would find there is no role for them, they would go back to barracks. What does it mean, is anybody's guess.