The recent resignation of Navjot Singh Sidhu from BJP may not pose a serious threat to the party. The cricketer turned politician’s past record of serving the party is not taken in good spirit. His long absence from his constituency is causing a big hurdle as it is hampering the much awaited developmental work. Also it has been observed that his popularity back home was declining in the past. Instead of sitting as a celebrity judge in a comedy show, he should have worked on the ground for bringing the ‘acche din’ promised by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Undoubtedly, he is one of a few smart politicians of this country who is well-accepted by the people in good faith that he will work tirelessly for the people. He should have delivered like the way he speaks and take the party to a level where it could have bargained with its ally Shiromani Akali Dal for sure. His disliking for the SAD should have been measured in terms of BJP’s ability to stand alone in a crucial state like Punjab. BJP has a long way to go for that and Sidhu should have helped the party instead of deserting it.
Fighting corruption and misgovernance cannot be taken to a level wherein one has to quit the party and look for an alternative political platform. Barring all speculations, if he joins the Aam Admi Party, the party will surely be benefitted, but it is doubtful whether he will. At the same time, people those who are working hard to establish AAP in Punjab since the beginning, will definitely be annoyed. His celebrity status may attract a section of voters to the AAP, but it may not result in dramatic turnover for the party.
Congress, already a divided and dying house across the country, may simply be happy and wait for the right moment to come. An anti-incumbency vote which is normally expected against a ruling dispensation i.e. SAD-BJP alliance, now will be divided between Congress and the AAP, which will indirectly help the current government only. Though Sidhu’s exit may not cause a major jolt to BJP, but the party must watch the political developments carefully as the poll in the State is approaching next year.