After Sidhu, Poonam Azad quits BJP, likely to join AAP

A day after cricketer turned politician Navjot Sidhu resigned as Rajya Sabha MP amid speculations of him joining the Aam Aadmi Party, wife of suspended BJP lawmaker Kirti Azad, Poonam Azad is set to follow suit.

According to sources, Poonam Azad who had been a three-time party national executive member took the decision of quitting the BJP in the backdrop of her husband who had attacked union finance minister Arun Jaitley over alleged corruption in DDCA during the latter's tenure as its head and continued with his tirade despite party chief Amit Shah's intervention. "She was also distanced from the BJP by the top brass of the party," said a party source.

Poonam's decision triggered speculations over Kirti Azad quitting the BJP and joining the AAP, there was no official confirmation on the same.

Top AAP sources said once she formally joins the party, she will be campaigning in the Bihari-dominated localities of Punjab, ahead of the state assembly elections there. Political observers said that she could be AAP's face for Bihar as well in the future.

Even Sidhu will be a strong contender for AAP chief ministerial face in Punjab, even though he had declined commenting on or confirming any such development.