Navjot Singh Sidhu junks reports of ‘joining BJP’

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 22

Former PPCC chief Navjot Sidhu has dismissed reports of leaving the Congress to join the BJP as mere speculations. A recent interview, aired on a regional channel, had showed him speaking with respect towards top BJP leaders.

Hits out at centre

The Union Govt must understand that a farmer who opposes you is not your enemy, but an Indian exercising fundamental rights — fighting for ‘izzat ki roti’. It is he who made the granary of India, PDS and food security! ....You impede our territorial jurisdiction, kill our people, fire tear gas shells in their faces and threaten a minority state with President's rule - what a paradox? Navjot Sidhu on X

In context of Sidhu having uncomfortable times in the Congress camp with both state president Amrinder Raja Warring and CLP leader Pratap Bajwa, the interview has led to discussions in the party on possible political happenings.

A section of leaders has even demanded disciplinary action against him for carrying out individual rallies and parallel meetings along with certain former party MLAs.

In the interview, the cricketer-turned-politician, referring to his stint in the BJP, is heard saying that the Prime Minister made several calls to him because ‘he loved him’. Sidhu is also heard saying that he has no fight with the BJP. “The party chose alliance with the Badals and did not listen to my advice. I was given several allurements, including Rajya Sabha seat, but I stood for Punjabis and my principals,” he says.

On Thursday, Sidhu hit out at the BJP on his X handle, stating that, “The Union Govt must understand that a farmer, who opposes you, is not your enemy, but an Indian exercising fundamental rights - fighting for “izzat ki roti”. It is he who made the granary of India, PDS and food security! The states make the Union (Centre ) and provide you with taxes and entity ! You impede our territorial jurisdiction, kill our people, fire tear gas shells in their faces and threaten a minority state with President’s rule - what a paradox?”

This clears the grounds, the cricketer-turned politician took to social media platform ‘X’ by reposting a 2016 tweet along with picture with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi that read, “Met my Mentor Rahulji and Friend Philosopher and Guide Pryankaji in New Delhi. You can jail me, intimidate me, block all my financial accounts but my commitment for Punjab and my leaders will never flinch nor back an inch”.

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