Sidhu has sought more time to decide, says Kejriwal

With still no clarity on whether Navjot Singh Sidhu, cricketer-turned politician, will join the Aam Aadmi Party or not, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that Mr. Sidhu had asked for more time to take a decision.

Mr. Kejriwal, who is also the AAP convenor, had met Mr. Sidhu last week after returning from a 10-day vipasana session at Dharamshala at his official residence.

Series of tweets

“Wud Navjot Sidhu ji join AAP- lot of rumours? Its my duty to put forward our side. We have greatest greatest regard for this ckt legend. He met me last week. Didn’t put any pre-condition. He needs time to think. Lets respect that. He is a v gud human being n a ckt legend. My respect for him wud continue whether he joins or not (Sic)”, Mr. Kejriwal said in a series of tweets.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday had said it was Mr. Sidhu’s decision to quit the Rajya Sabha and it would be his call to join the Arvind Kejriwal-led party.

As per media reports, Mr. Sidhu’s joining the AAP is delayed since his demands for being made the party’s chief ministerial candidate in Punjab and ticket for his wife Navjot Kaur in the upcoming Assembly elections have not been conceded.

Rumours are rife that Mr. Sidhu will eventually join the AAP ahead of the Punjab Assembly polls but his role is yet to be decided. Sources in the AAP said that Mr. Sidhu would not be their CM candidate and he would campaign for the party.

Party leader Ashutosh said Mr. Kejriwal’s tweets had put an end to all speculation. “His tweets were an attempt to end media speculation. It is not right for any kind of accusations being levelled against Mr. Sidhu.”

No conditions laid

Reiterating Mr. Kejriwal’s statement, he said the Delhi Chief Minister had clearly said that he had a meeting with him and that there were no conditions laid.

“Mr. Sidhu has asked for some more time to think over all scenarios,” he added.