Front is here because AAP has failed: Navjot Kaur Sidhu

Declaring that former MP and her husband Navjot Singh Sidhu, along with Pargat Singh and Bains brothers, will announce the future course of ‘Awaaz-e-Punjab’ on September 8, BJP MLA from Amritsar (east) Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu said the front emerged as third front (Aam Aadmi Party) has failed. Hindustan Times talked to Dr Sidhu on front and beyond. Excerpts:

Does this front put an end to the talk of your husband joining the AAP?

Yes. Talks did happen between Sidhu and Kejriwal, but only for 10 minutes and there were no conditions. There is no chance of his joining the AAP now.

Do you feel this front will be able to satiate the aspirations of Punjabis? What’s on offer?

The front will disclose what it has on offer in Chandigarh on September 8. Pargat, Sidhu and Bains brothers are known for taking a stand on pro-public issues. They look good. We should wait till September 8. Let’s hear from them only.

Your take on the AAP in Punjab...

The recent developments have disheartened the people. Once being seen as an alternative to the Akalis and the Congress, the controversies involving its leaders have made the people believe that it is no different from the mainstream parties. Kejriwal has failed to deliver to the satisfaction of the people and, hence, the fourth front.

Read | The Chhotepur sting has stung back: Dip in AAP funds from Punjab

Don’t you feel this front will split anti-incumbency votes, which will in-turn go in SAD’s favour?

No. It will not split anti-incumbency. There is a lot of vacuum in Punjab. The Akali Dal has failed; Congress is a non-performer, AAP, too, is on a shaky ground now. Bhagwant Mann is embarrassing the party time and again. So, there is lot of scope for the fourth front.

Read | Attack on media: Bhagwant Mann booked by Punjab Police

The front has no pan-Punjab cadre and funds; how will it fight the established parties?

If the people of Punjab are to bow before moneybags, they should brace up for hellish days ahead. I feel, people of Punjab are wise enough and they will support well-meaning people.

What about Sidhu’s television show engagements? Will he sacrifice that?

Yes, for sure. He is very clear that if he takes a responsibility in Punjab, he will put in all his time and energy into it.

Will you join the front?

Obviously. There is no doubt about that. I have always believed that parties are not bad, people who run them can be.