Navjot, BJP and AAP

Ever since Navjot Sidhu the cricketer was denied a go at the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat, which he justifiably believed belonged to him, it has not been clear where or for what he and his equally mercurial wife stood. For sure they have neither left nor been exactly with the BJP. And their battle with the SAD in Punjab has been an even longer saga. Navjot the doctor-MLA has kept up a steady barrage of accusations against the state government. She also did most of the talking for the former MP. The arrangement worked very well to keep the BJP on the defensive — as the top leadership has been wary of their potential for damage — and also gave them a leg up to negotiate a better deal.

The Sidhus, however, seem to have perfected the art of ambiguity. Even after his first press conference since he allegedly “left the BJP”, no one is any wiser where he stands. Despite all his angst, neither he nor his wife has resigned from the primary membership of the party. The couple’s uneasy co-existence reflects rather poorly on the BJP as well. The ruling party at the Centre has given the impression that shabby political calculations prevent it from letting Navjot Sidhu speak his mind on the challenges before Punjab. A party that professes to be ideologically driven and nationalism-inspired has allowed itself to be seen as beholden to the unsavoury Akalis.

There is also strong talk of Navjot Sidhu joining the AAP, whether or not as the chief-ministerial candidate. Both have, however, put off the announcement, which gives them time to think long and hard what exactly their expectations of each other are. The party has not had an easy relationship with outspoken people. Sidhu — young, brilliant campaigner, Jat Sikh, clean — does bring a major name recognition with him, but he also brings an unpredictable and highly self-centred persona. He has no administrative experience. He is a loner and an egoist. His sudden and passionate evocation of Punjab-centric emotionalism can only add to public discomfort.