As BJP strategists were still coming out of the shock of surprise resignation of cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu from the Rajya Sabha that left the party embarrassed, senior AAP leaders were giving the final touch to clear the decks for his entry into the party.



Top sources in AAP told India Today that after months of talks the deal has now finally been sealed between the party and Sidhu.

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According to the sources, the former cricketer is not haggling for any post in party. He has agreed to be the 'star campaigner' in Punjab and won't be the CM face as speculated by many. Top sources also confirmed that Sidhu is also not going to fight the upcoming Assembly election in Punjab.

WHAT'S THE DEAL?

So what is Sidhu getting in return for giving up his Rajya Sabha membership and leaving BJP? Well if sources are to be believed, Sidhu's wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu who is a BJP MLA is likely to reap the benefits later. She is a credible face and is liked in her constiutnecy.

Sources said a formula is being worked out in which Mrs Sidhu will join AAP in a few month, nearer to the election and will fight from her own constituency on AAP ticket. If she wins and party forms the government in the state, she may also be a top runner for a cabinet berth.

The Sidhus have been very vocal against the BJP- Akali combine in Punjab. Many obeservors say it was just a matter of time for Sidhu to chart his course away from the BJP, which the party leadership failed to see. AAP sources say in a day or two Navjot Singh Sidhu's induction in the party will be finalised, which is likely to be within this month.

TALK OF SIDHU BECOMING AAP FACE IN PUNJAB PREMATURE: KEJRIWAL

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today appeared to suggest that Navjot Singh Sidhu becoming the face of AAP in Punjab would be premature even as he admired the "courage" of the BJP leader for quitting from the Rajya Sabha.

On the possibility of Sidhu being projected as the AAP's chief ministerial candidate in the Punjab polls next year, Kejriwal commented, "Aisa kuch nahi hai." (There's nothing of that sort yet.)

"He has just resigned from the Rajya Sabha seat and I think all good people should resign from the BJP. I admire his courage," the Delhi chief Minister said.

When reminded about Sidhu's criticism of him in the past, Kejriwal said "That's not an issue. But whoever joins the AAP has to become a common man first."

'AAP ONLY OPTION LEFT FOR SIDHU'

Sidhu's wife Navjot Kaur said his husband's resignation from the Rajya Sabha meant he has also quit the BJP and the only option left for him was to join the Aam Aadmi Party. "I think he (Sidhu) has very clearly suggested what he is going to do and in the coming days let him come out with this (his future plans). He has said that he wants to serve Punjab and there is no choice except serving from Aam Aadmi Party," Kaur, who is MLA from Amritsar-East constituency and is Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Health) in SAD-BJP Government, said.

Asked what was her husband's position now in the BJP, Kaur said, "It is understood that if he has quit the Rajya Sabha, he has quit BJP. There is no question of his going back, he has never gone back on his words. He wants to serve Punjab. And he will serve the State."

"Let me see what take he has, let him come out and say what he has to say in a press conference and then let me take my decision," she said when enquired about her future plans.

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Navjot Singh Sidhu quits BJP, to join AAP with wife ahead of Punjab election