In a formal announcement, cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (September 14).

Sidhu had resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha on July 18 and there had been speculations that he may join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) until he launched his own new political front ‘Awaaz-e-Punjab’ on September 8, reports the india.com.

With Punjab Elections around the corner, the Aam Aadmi Party has been actively campaigning to woo people. Posing a serious threat to prospects of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Sidhu’s ‘Awaaz-e-Punjab is all set to sweep AAP in the upcoming Punjab Elections 2017.

Along with Sidhu, two independent legislators, Balwinder Singh Bains and Simarjeet Singh Bains form an important part of the party.

During a press conference at the launch of his party, Sidhu said the party is aimed to hand over the power of democracy to people after ending “the rule of one family” in the state.

Taking a jibe at the Badals, he said the “‘kaale Badal’ (dark clouds) have overshadowed Punjab and people are keen to see sunlight”.

With the launch of the new political front, the Congress party said Navjot Sidhu’s Awaaz-e-Punjab was a “BJP-sponsored program” to divide anti-incumbency votes.

The BJP had also taken a dig at Sidhu saying party is bigger than any personality.

BDST: 1320 HRS, SEP 14, 2016
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