Amarinder not the alternative for Punjab, says Dr Sidhu

Says all options open for them, will stand by those who can work for the betterment of Punjab

Even as the Punjab Congress led by Capt Amarinder Singh is ready to welcome cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu into the party fold, his wife and BJP MLA Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu said on Monday, “Captain Amarinder Singh is not an alternative Punjab is looking for.”

BJP MLA Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu. (HT File Photo)

Talking to the media at her residence, the Amritsar-East MLA and former chief parliamentary secretary (CPS) said: “Amarinder’s performance as an MP had been dismal and he had faced various charges in the past. Going by that, he is not the leader who can be an alternative for Punjab.”

Dodging a question on Sidhu’s recent meeting with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal, she said: “We will stand by those who can work for the betterment of Punjab. All options are open. We are not here for any benefits.” When asked if the couple was thinking of floating a new party, she again said: “We have kept our options open.”

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It’s an open secret that Navjot Singh Sidhu was bargaining hard with the AAP for a good deal for himself as well as for his wife. (PTI File Photo)

Soon after her husband’s resignation from the Rajya Sabha, Dr Sidhu had said that there was no point of return and donning the AAP jersey was the best option for him. She had also praised AAP’s manifesto and the working style of Kejriwal.

Reacting to AAP’s sacked Punjab convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur’s allegation that Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann was opposing Sidhu’s entry into the party Dr Sidhu said: “Some people are feeling insecure due to Sidhu. They only want position and power and not Punjab’s welfare.”