The ‘evolving’ fourth front in Punjab, launched by former parliamentarian Navjot Singh Sidhu, got a shot in the arm on Friday as the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) “ousted” convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur “officially” announced to join hands with him.
Admitting to be in touch with the “like-minded” leaders like Sidhu, besides Bains brothers, Olympian Pargat Singh, AAP’s “suspended” MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi and several others, Chhotepur asserted that they all would be forming a fourth front.
At the same time, Chhotepur gave indications that the name may not be ‘Awaaz-e-Punjab’, but would be decided “collectively” within a week’s time.
‘Awaaz-e-Punjab’ — a fourth front — was launched by Sidhu along with MlAs Simarjit Bains, Balwinder Bains (commonly known as Bains brothers), and Pargat Singh on September 8.
Of late, Dr Gandhi, who was suspended by AAP in August 2015, has also announced to float a Punjab-oriented party.
“I am in touch with Navjot Singh Sidhu, Bains brothers, Pargat Singh, Dr Dharamvira Gandhi and several others. We all will be forming a fourth front and its name will be decided within a week…we will give the best alternative to the people of Punjab,” said Chhotepur, on the last day of his ‘Parivartarn Yatra’ at Faridkot on Friday.
He said Dr Gandhi and Harinder Khalsa, AAP’s another “suspended” MP, are also in touch with us and many other leaders too. “I am sure that Khalsa and Gandhi will also be part of the new front after considering all aspects,” he said.
“My supporters and volunteers have suggested that I set up a new political platform with those with a clean image and who are committed to save Punjab,” said Chhotepur, who played a key role in building AAP in Punjab.
He had launched an initiative on September 6 to collect suggestions of his supporters as regards his future course of action.
“I will meet (Navjot Singh) Sidhu, (Dharamvira) Gandhi and other like-minded people to bring them together and have one political party to provide the
best alternative to the people of Punjab in the (2017) Assembly election,” he said.
He added, “I am yet to meet Sidhu or independent MlAs from ludhiana, the Bains brothers. But, I have met Pargat Singh once.”
“My efforts will be to bring all these people on one platform now…More like-minded people will be roped in to form a party as soon as possible,” he said.
Chhotepur said he has already talked to Patiala MP Gandhi.
“He is clear that he is committed to Punjab and he wants Punjabis to provide an alternative to the people of the state, instead of outsiders,” he said.