Amritsar, January 12
Differences between Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and local MP Navjot Singh Sidhu were clearly visible at the opening of Kitchlu Chowk flyover in Amritsar today.

Navjot Singh Sidhu, his wife Chief Parliamentary Secretary Navjot Kaur Sidhu, Cabinet minister Anil Joshi, state BJP vice-president Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, general secretary Tarun Chugh and SAD MLA Inderbir Singh Bularia were present to receive Sukhbir Badal.

As the Deputy CM’s cavalcade arrived, BJP and SAD leaders went ahead to greet him. The Deputy CM did not bother to acknowledge the presence of the Sidhus and headed straight towards the venue of foundation stone unveiling ceremony. No effort was made from either side to greet each other. Throughout the Deputy CM’s presence at the venue, the Sidhus stood aloof and refrained from exchanging pleasantries.

The Sidhu couple maintained a studied silence at the venue. Navjot Singh, however, later said on phone: “When in doubt, walk the path of truth and never compromise on moral values.”

“Whatever happened at the venue was before everybody present over there. I have no regrets on personal grounds, but I fought for the larger cause. Whatever I asked for was for the residents of Amritsar whose interest was badly ignored. It was the joint development agenda of the alliance that could never be hijacked for an individual’s credibility impetus,” he said.

On several earlier occasions, Sidhu had accused the SAD of scuttling his pet projects, including Kitchlu Chowk flyover.

Putting an end to speculations about swapping of Amritsar seat with the BJP, Sukhbir said as per the existing terms of alliance between the two parties, the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat was with the BJP and no discussion had taken place over its swapping so far. On SAD agenda for Amritsar, particularly if Navjot Singh Sidhu is made the candidate from here again, Sukhbir said it was the prerogative of the BJP to field any candidate. “Whosoever will be their candidate, we will extend all support to him,” he said.

About Sidhu’s allegations of ignoring him while finalising logistics for local projects, Sukhbir said, “His wife attended the meetings on his behalf.” He said development projects for the holy city were the top priority of the state government. “Within three years, Amritsar will see a huge transformation as we have planned a number of development projects that will be launched within three-four months,” he said.

About the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) influencing the Lok Sabha poll results, Sukhbir said the line of action followed by AAP had already been put into practice by the ruling alliance in the state. 

Lack of warmth

* Punjab Dy CM Sukhbir Badal visited Amritsar for the opening of Kitchlu Chowk flyover on Sunday

* Amritsar MP Navjot Sidhu, his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu (Chief Parliamentary Secretary), ministers and leaders from SAD and BJP were present to receive Sukhbir

* The Dy CM did not acknowledge Sidhus’ presence