Unveiling a new front in poll-bound Punjab, cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday launched a no-holds-barred attack on the Akali-BJP combine and Congress, and dubbed AAP as “anarchy in the garb of democracy” led by Arvind Kejriwal who wants only “yes-men”.
Addressing a press conference on the formal launch of “Awaaz-e-Punjab” — a non-political front for “betterment” of Punjab, the former BJP leader, who quit his Rajya Sabha seat in July, said its aim is to hand over the power of democracy to people after ending “the rule of one family” in the State.
Sidhu said that in the next 15-20 days he will come out with the front’s future plan.
Launching a frontal attack on the Badals, who have been in power for a decade, he said the “kaale badal (dark clouds) have overshadowed Punjab and people are keen to see sunlight”.
“People elect government for themselves and not for a family,” he said, alleging that Badals have made Punjab and the party their family fiefdom.
He also claimed the Akalis and Congress were “two sides of the same coin” who fought a “friendly-match” and ruined Punjab, which needed a change for its better future.
Berates AAP chief
Clearing the air over speculation about his joining AAP, Sidhu claimed that the AAP leadership was after him for the last two years and made many offers, but accused Kejriwal of speaking “half truths” as he was told to not contest but only campaign.
“Kejriwal and his men were luring me for last two years to join AAP. They offered many things, but I only asked them to define my role. I wanted to know his intentions and his aim.
“He told me not to contest but only campaign. But he said my wife can contest and will make her a Minister. I thanked him. He also wanted to make me a decoration piece, which I was earlier,” he told reporters. Attacking the AAP leader, Sidhu said, “Kejriwal wants only yes men...arrogance in democracy is not acceptable.”
“Kejriwal thinks only he is honest and no one else is and it is his copyright. He feels others have no right to say that they are honest. I am sitting here with people who are to help Punjab. I am ready to give my life for Punjab.
“Kejriwal is always trying to indulge in one-upmanship and take credit and no one else is allowed to do so,” said Sidhu, who was flanked by Olympian and rebel SAD MLA Pargat Singh and Bains brothers — Simarjeet and Balwinder.
Kejriwal and his men were luring me for last two years to join AAP. They offered many things, but I only asked them to define my role. He told me not to contest but only campaign. He wanted to make me a decoration piece, which I was earlier