Navjot Singh Sidhu formally launches 'Awaaz-e-Punjab' to save 'ruined Punjab'

NEW DELHI: Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu formally announced his new political front ' Awaaz-e-Punjab' in Chandigarh on Thursday.

"The redemption, resurrection and revival of this state is the aim of our Awaaz-e-Punjab," Sidhu said at the media briefing. In an apparent attack on BJP, Sidhu also said that good leaders in India have been reduced to mute spectators. "There is a tradition in India that good people are kept as decoration pieces and used only for campaigning," he added.

The former Rajya Sabha member had on September 2 floated the new political front. It will contest the Punjab assembly elections, slated for early next year. Sidhu had resigned from the Rajya Sabha on July 18, fuelling speculation that he may join the AAP.

Other members of the new front include former Indian hockey team captain Pargat Singh, a legislator of Punjab's ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, and two independent legislators, Balwinder Singh Bains and Simarjeet Singh Bains. Pargat Singh was last month suspended from the Akali Dal for "anti-party" activities. The Bains brothers, who had fallen out with the Akali Dal top leadership three years ago, have significant influence in Ludhiana district.

Highlighting the blueprint of his party for the upcoming Punjab elections, Sidhu said that their aim is to make the state prosperous again by fighting people who have 'ruined Punjab'. In his media briefing, he also talked about Punjab's drug menace. "Where is the Punjab that used to produce so many sportsmen? Today, the streets are filled with drug addicts," Sidhu said.

Elections to 117 assembly seats are likely to be held in January or early February next year.