Navjot Singh Siddhu insists on working in comedy show

Even as Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Siddhu stood his ground on juggling roles as minister and popular comedy show anchor on TV, Punjab Advocate General Atul Nanda opined that though the Congress leader does not hold an office of profit, it could be a matter of conflict of interest.

The CM had sought the AG's opinion on whether Siddhu can continue to work for the TV show while holding the Cabinet charge.

"It is clear that he (Siddhu) does not hold an office of profit, so no legal hurdle. But, it needs to be examined, if there is a conflict of interest involved," Nanda told DNA. Nanda is yet to submit his final opinion to the CM.

On whether if the decision to continue working on the TV show would be a violation of the code of conduct for ministers, Nanda said, "This aspect needs to be looked into."

Speaking to the media, the CM hinted that if Sidhu's portfolio was found to be in conflict with his television work then the same could be changed. Siddhu holds the Cabinet charge of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, alongwith Local government.

Highlighting that he personally had no objection to Sidhu continuing with television shows if it was Constitutionally permissible, the CM said he was personally not aware of the Constitutional position in this regard and will wait for the AG's advice. "Sidhu is a sensible and intelligent person and would have checked out his legal and Constitution position in the matter of working for TV shows after joining his Cabinet as a minister," he said.