Sidhu may head Sports Ministry as BJP braces for Assembly polls

While senior leaders in the party are trying to fill the vacancies, PM Narendra Modi could use the opportunity to ring out changes to prepare the BJP’s campaign for the Uttar Pradesh and Punjab Assembly polls in early 2017.    

Speculation regarding the Ministry of Youth affairs and Sports has risen since sources say the newly nominated Rajya Sabha MP Navjot Singh Sidhu could fill the vacancy of Sarbananda Sonowal, who was recently elected Assam’s Chief Minister. Political observers think the former cricketer-turned-politician would end his three-year ‘political deportation’ by getting the post.

Special preference was also given to him during the two-day national executive meet in Allahabad. On the last day of the meet, Sidhu was seen praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. 

Sources said the Rajya Sabha MP is going to be part of party president Amit Shah’s core team for  the upcoming Punjab Assembly polls.

After being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, Sidhu issued a statement, saying he had a history of refusing Rajya Sabha seats and can do so again. Two years ago, Sidhu refused the Rajya Sabha seat since he relinquished the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat for Arun Jaitley, who he used to consider a father figure. 

He also refused to campaign on behalf of Jaitley in 2014. Sidhu was missing for the Assembly polls in other North Indian States. His wife and former legislator, Navjot Singh Kaur also hit out at the ruling party.

Sources say the BJP tried to stop him from getting the Rajya Sabha ticket. But their long-time political partner Shrimoni Akali Dal (SAD) pushed his nomination. The saffron party doesn’t seem keen on breaking the alliance with SAD, with their eyes on the upcoming Assembly elections.

Sidhu also mentioned that he would like to continue his political career for the welfare of Punjab.

However, Sidhu has preferred to be silent regarding his membership in Narendra Modi’s cabinet. His commercial ventures could be why he is averse to taking charge of a ministry, sources said.