Sidhu on indefinite fast from today

The announcement of his fast came in the form of a press statement —- in a mix of Punjabi and English —- after the media waited for a long time outside Sidhu’s residence today. Sidhu returned to Amritsar in the afternoon and decided against interacting with the media.

Sidhu’s wife and BJP chief parliamentary secretary Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu,however,said that she was against any protest against “her government”.

Asked about Sidhu’s decision during her Sangat Darshan programme,Navjot said,“I am the Punjab government. The MP (Sidhu) can talk to me (about his grievances). I will take up the issues with the state government.” It was Navjot who had led the attack on the SAD-BJP alliance,beginning with a post on Facebook where she alleged that her husband was being sidelined and his development works for Amritsar were being scuttled.

When it was pointed out that she was not getting promised grants either,Navjot said,“I will continue to press for my demands and take up my husband’s case as well.”

Sidhu explained that a committed Navjot had to balance the party on one hand and his duty and dedication for Amritsar on the other. “But Navjot knows (how to fulfil) commitment and (perform) duty well. So without speaking against anyone and without blaming anyone,I will perform my duty for Amritsar. I am starting my fast unto death from tomorrow.”

Explaining his stand,the MP said, “Every child in Punjab knows why I had to take this extreme step. How five-six development projects of mine were scuttled —- such as solid waste management,city bus service,CCTV cameras,multiple sports complex,expansion of Bhandari Bridge and three new flyovers.” He rued that despite the Amritsar Improvement Trust having Rs 160 crore in the last five years,it did not spend money on Amritsar but shifted Rs 60 crore to other cities. The controversy on the development issue was well known,so “I was directed by party president Sri Rajnath Singhji to keep quiet”,he added.

Sidhu said the decision to fast unto death was his own and he would not call upon any family member,colleague or friend to join him.