No terms set by Navjot Sidhu, says Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday spoke out on the issue of Navjot Singh Sidhu’s entry into the party ahead of the assembly elections in Punjab.

Confirming that he had met Sidhu last week, Kejriwal denied the former had set any “pre-condition” for joining the AAP and appealed for respecting Sidhu’s “need (for) time to think”. The AAP supremo took to social media for dispelling “rumours” about the former cricketer and BJP Member of Parliament’s entry in AAP. “Would Navjot Sidhu ji join AAP-lot of rumours? It’s my duty to put forward our side. We have greatest regard for this cricket legend,” said Kejriwal.

There was further praise in store. Calling him a “good human being”, Kejriwal said, he would continue to respect Sidhu “whether he joins (AAP) or not”.

His clarification comes at a time when reports emerged about talks between Sidhu and AAP breaking down due to the former’s demands of being projected as the chief ministerial face of the party for Punjab. AAP leaders have in the past said, the party was willing to make Sidhu a “Star Campaigner” and his wife a party candidate to win elections. However, Sidhu is said to have sought to be projected as the CM face of the party.