AAP leader Kumar Vishwas seemed to confirm speculations of Navjot Sidhu among others joining AAP.
Highlights
- Punjab cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu quits BJP
- AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal is non-committal about Sidhu joining him
- Sidhu not alone, puns AAP leader Kumar Vishwas in tweet on BJP 'recruits'
In election season, the Aam Aadmi Party or AAP is about to recruit three BJP heavyweights, suggested Kumar Vishwas today in a tweet that punned on the names of the trio: Kirti (Azad), Shatrugan (Sinha) and (Navjot Singh) Sidhu.
Dr Vishwas, a senior leader and crowd magnet for AAP, may not be going out on a limb - his picks are far from preposterous.
Mr Sidhu, a cricketer-turned-politician from Punjab, quit the BJP yesterday after 12 years, his anger over being forced to hand over his constituency to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in 2014 apparently unassuaged by his recent nomination to the Rajya Sabha.
Mr Sinha, a former Bollywood star who, like Mr Sidhu, trades in fast and catchy talk, has served as the BJP's resident critic on some of its most sensitive issues because he believes he has not been given the attention or status he deserves. He has also visited AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal at his Delhi home, stating that "it is essential to consult with political opponents."
Kirti Azad, another cricketer who converted to politics, was suspended by the BJP in December after a protracted campaign against Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, whom he accused of corruption linked to his lengthy tenure as the head of Delhi's main cricket body.
Mr Sidhu's resignation drew strong praise from AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal yesterday, but today, he and other AAP leaders were more disciplined in their enthusiasm, stating that Mr Sidhu has to decide what he would like next. The 52-year-old could add flourish and substance to AAP's campaign for Punjab, which votes next year, and is seen as leaning towards Mr Kejriwal.