In a major boost to the Congress efforts to return to power in Punjab, BJP MlA Navjot Kaur Sidhu and Akali Dal MlA and former Indian hockey Captain Pargat Singh are set to join the party.
The decision was taken by the Congress high command in New Delhi after a series of parleys with Navjot Singh Sidhu and Pargat. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had met former cricketer cum comedy show host Navjot Sidhu and the deal was sealed. The former MP from Amritsar is expected to be the star campaigner for the Congress in the high voltage 2017 assembly polls.
Sidhu along with his wife Navjot Kaur, Pargat Singh and Bains brothers had formed Awaaz-E-Punjab sometime ago. The Bains brothers have already formed an alliance with AAP, leaving the Sidhus and Pargat Singh in the lurch. Party sources said Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu and Pargat Singh will formally join the Congress party on November 28 in New Delhi.
Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh welcomed their decision to join the Congress, saying the party will be further strengthened ahead of the Punjab elections with the joining of like-minded people. The leaders also met at Capt’s residence to thrash out the modalities of their joining.