Sidhu likely to join AAP on Aug 15

Navjot Singh Sidhu, who quit the Rajya Sabha earlier this month and fired uninterrupted salvos at the BJP for asking him to remain away from Punjab, is likely to join Aam Aadmi Party in the second week of August.

The 52-year-old former cricketer, who had a long innings with the BJP in Punjab, has alleged that the party had asked him to stay away from Punjab to serve "personal interests". Sources in the AAP said Sidhu will formally join the party next month, possibly in the second week of August. They said August 15 was a probable date. He is likely to be inducted as a "star campaigner" ahead of the assembly polls next year. Sidhu's wife Navjot Kaur is also likely to join with him.

As per the constitution of AAP, two members belonging to the same family cannot simultaneously be office-bearers or contest polls. AAP is giving a tough fight to the ruling BJP-SAD alliance and Congress in Punjab, and is hoping to cash in on Sidhu's popularity to bolster its chances in the state election.

AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has welcomed Sidhu's decision to quit Rajya Sabha as "brave" and has also called him a "nice" man.