BJP's Navjot Singh Sidhu Quits As MP Calling It 'Burden', May Join AAP

New Delhi, 18 July,2016:BJP leader Navjot Singh Sidhu quit as a Member of Parliament on Monday, powering reports that he is set to switch to Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in time to play a big role in the Punjab election next year. "The people of Punjab are looking for a change," was Mr Sidhu's telling comment to NDTV just before he resigned from the Rajya Sabha. His letter describing his post as a "burden" suggested resentment with his party. "With the closure of every window leading to Punjab the purpose stands defeated, now a mere burden. I prefer not to carry it," he said. "In the war of right or wrong, you can't afford to be neutral rather than being self-centered. Punjab's interest is paramount." The 52-year-old former cricketer and commentator may be AAP's chief ministerial candidate in Punjab, say sources. He is likely to meet Mr Kejriwal in Punjab in a couple of days. Mr Sidhu's wife Navjot Kaur, who is a lawmaker in Punjab, is also set to resign, say sources. She had announced her resignation on Facebook earlier this year but later changed her mind. Reports suggested that the resignation came as a surprise to the BJP, which shares power with the Akali Dal in Punjab. Mr Sidhu, who is also a popular television personality, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in April. He had been upset when he was asked to make way for Arun Jaitley to contest from Amritsar during the 2014 national election and denied the chance to contest from the constituency he had represented for 10 years. When Mr Jaitley lost the election, Mr Sidhu was charged by local BJP leaders with sabotaging the party's cause. A flamboyant sports and TV personality known for his wit, Mr Sidhu has been among Punjab's most prominent politicians over the years. "We welcome the resignation of Sidhu from Rajya Sabha. For other queries you have, it's all premature," AAP leader Sanjay Singh told reporters. Mr Sidhu's exit comes at a time the Akali-BJP combine is seen to be facing an uphill task in Punjab, challenged both by an aggressive AAP and a resurgent Congress. NDTV