:dateline:Culminating his two months long tense equation with BJP, Navjot Sidhu launched his new forum �Awaz-e-Punjab� portraying it as a forum for resurrection, redemption and revival of Punjab. Notably, Navjot Singh Sidhu had resigned�from Rajya Sabha membership on July 18 and all the anti-BJP parties were on toes to induct him.
Addressing the media in Chandigarh on September 8, Navjot Sidhu clarified that �Awaz-e-Punjab� was now just a forum of like-minded people and it will take 15 days for them to launch new political party for the upcoming assembly polls. Flanked by rebel Akali MLA Pargat Singh, MLAs Simarjit Singh Bains and Balwinder Singh Bains, Navjot Sidhu said that they will call upon the noble�leaders in Punjab and it will take 10-15 selfless leaders to set an example for the entire state to defeat other partities.
Breaking silence over his dialogue with AAP�s National convener Arvind Kejriwal, Navjot Sidhu said that Kejriwal wanted to use him as a decoration piece. He said that Kejriwal had asked him to campaign for AAP in Punjab without assigning any distinct position in the party. He clarified that Kejriwal had offered ticket for his wife but not for him. He alleged that Kejriwal was an arrogant leader who always wanted to remain surrounded by yes-men. He said that Kejriwal believes himself to be stamp of honesty.
Lashing out at Congress and ruling Akali Dal, Sidhu maintained that the duo were sides of same coin. He said that the Akali Dal led Punjab government has nurtured every kind of mafia in last 10 years and the Akalis were ruling in Punjab with stick. Taking on Captain Amarinder Singh, he added that Captain had defended Bikram Singh Majithia when the CBI enquiry against him was being demanded about his role in promoting Drug mafia.
Meanwhile, speaking with the press September 8, Aam Aadmi Party’s Punjab co-incharge Bhai Jarnail Singh alleged that Sidhu’s new political outfit will work to strengthen the workings of the Rashtriya Sikh Sangat in Punjab. �He labelled��Awaz-e-Punjab� as the B team of the RSS. �He told the press that Sidhu was only seeking the post of Chief Minister in Punjab, that’s why he was going from one party to another.
Similarly, Chief Minister of Punjab, Parkash Badal also said that the new front �Awaz-e-Punjab� �launched by Sidhu included a bunch of fugitives and defectors. Terming Navjot Sidhu as a backstabber, Badal�taunted that expecting loyalty towards state from backstabbers is like expecting milk from bull.
Reacting to the allegations levelled by Navjot Sidhu of misgovernance the Punjab by SAD-BJP alliance, Badal said that why didn�t he notice these�while being an MP from Amritsar on BJP�s ticket. He said that political parties mushroom during elections and then disappear. “Sidhu�s fourth front will have no impact on Punjab politics as the Punjab masses always vote for a party with�glorious history and a legacy of serving them,” he added.
It is my understanding that Navjot Sidhu is a supporter of the RSS and his behaviour with defecting from the BJP (mother of the RSS) to flirting with the AAP (who did not offer him a high enough position) to now forming his own party smacks to me of opportunism. But then I am probably biased as I never consider a ‘Sikh’ who trims his beard to be ever truly trustworthy as if such a man is unwilling to keep faith with Guru Gobind Singh how then can one expect him to keep faith with others?