Sidhu attacks Kejriwal, Badals at launch of new front

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 as their family fiefdom.  He also claimed that 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. 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-truth” 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.”