Grapes seem to be sour for Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh. Amidst strong speculations that former parliamentarian Navjot Singh Sidhu may jump on Aam Aadmi Party’s bandwagon, the former Chief Minister on Sunday took an about-turn to say that the cricketer-turned-politician has “no political existence outside Amritsar”.
“People know Sidhu only for his comedy and commentary,” remarked Capt Amarinder, who had been making every possible effort to woo the three-time Amritsar MP to join hands with the Congress after he resigned as Rajya Sabha member the previous month.
“Even if he decides to join AAP as is being rumoured, it will not make much difference,” Capt Amarinder said.
“Youngsters don’t know him as those who saw him during his cricketing days have now fully grown up…some people know him because of his commentary during cricket matches…he can make people laugh during comedy shows,” he said, adding that AAP already has a comedian, and it would be good if another joins it.
At the same time, Capt Amarinder maintained that the party’s doors were open for him. “But I know he would not join the Congress,” he added.
He added that the kind of hype Sidhu had created when he resigned in July, is no more now. “It’s deflated,” he added.
After initially criticizing Sidhu for “deserting the BJP”, Capt Amarinder did a flip-flop and offered him a place in the Congress. “If he wants to come, he can be a part of it. We will certainly consider it…In a battle, one does not lose people, but gain. His family also served the Congress,” Capt Amarinder had stated.
On a query whether Congress will welcome Chhotepur in the party as he was feeling disillusioned there, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president said that the party’s doors were open for everyone.