Rajya Sabha to AAPna Rajya — Shift of Focus

“The results of 2017 polls are going to be least affected by Sidhu couple moving to any Aam Aadmi Party or Khaas Party”.

Sanjay Singh of AAP welcomed Sidhu’s decision to resign as Rajya Sabha MP. She posted a tweet the same day saying: “Finally I have resigned from the BJP”.

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh today said BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhus resignation from Rajya Sabha was a “foregone conclusion” as he had been left with “little option”. The present nomination by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is significant for me as he is a great role model for me. With the closure of every window leading to Punjab, the goal stands defeated. “I do not wish to carry it”, said Sidhu, indirectly pointing out that he was unhappy with the party’s direction and prospects in the state.

“In the war of right or wrong, you can not afford to be neutral”. Perhaps it was after judging the “situation” in Punjab that BJP president Amit Shah chose to leave the planning of the Punjab strategy to the “big brother” Akalis.

Sidhu’s resignation has been accepted by Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari.

The AAP is campaigning aggressively in the state for the past few months.

AAP convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur, campaign committee in charge Bhagwant Mann and Delhi-based senior advocate Harvinder Singh Phoolka were all vying for the top position in the run up to the polls.

Though AAP leaders in Delhi have officially refused to confirm the development, they have not ruled out the possibility of Sidhu and his wife walking across to the AAP.

Political observers said the resignation of Mr. Sidhu from the BJP is a setback for the party’s prospect in the Assembly elections and if he joins the AAP it will definitely work to the AAP’s advantage. Earlier in a comment to a leading English news channel, he had said that Punjab was looking for change. “We welcome his move”, Bajpai said.

The problem for the BJP in Punjab is that it is led by a bunch of leaders who have little or no standing in state politics, leave alone having any recognition at the national level.

“Yes, your speculations on Sidhu joining AAP are true”, he said.

The question was: Who will be the acceptable Sikh face for AAP in Punjab?

Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s wife Navjot, who is a lawmaker in Punjab and a parliamentary secretary in the Akali Dal-BJP government, is also set to resign, say reports.

The absence of Sidhu before assembly elections will hurt the BJP.