Navjot Singh Sidhu says Kejriwal asked him not to fight elections

Navjot Singh Sidhu launched the Awaaz-e-Punjab on Thursday. He was quoted saying by ANI: “There is a tradition in India that good people are kept as decoration pieces and used only for campaigning.  Awaaz-e-Punjab is the resurrection & redemption of Punjab which is in dire strait. Awaaz e Punjab ek inquilaabi awaaz hai. Government should be for the people but in Punjab it is all about one family.  Log kehte hain 'kaale Badal chhat ke suraj nikalkna chahiye. My resignation from Rajya Sabha had nothing to do with Kejriwal ji." 

He added: "Kejriwal ji tweeted about meeting with me, but he said half-truth. Let me complete it. Kejriwal ji told me 'don't fight elections, ask your wife to contest will make her a minister.' I said 'Sat shri Akal'.” (Goodbye)." He further said: " At this stage 'Awaaz e Punjab' is not a party, its a forum. We will take 15 days and then get back to you with our decision and more details."

This is what Kejriwal had tweeted about Sidhu: 

Wud Navjot Sidhu ji join AAP- lot of rumours? Its my duty to put forward our side. We have greatest greatest regard for this ckt legend(1/3)

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 19, 2016

He met me last week. Didn't put any pre-condition. He needs time to think. Lets respect that(2/3)

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 19, 2016

He is a v gud human being n a ckt legend. My respect for him wud continue whether he joins or not(3/3)

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 19, 2016

Elections to 117 assembly seats are likely to be held in January or early February next year. A press conference will be addressed by Sidhu along with two independent legislators, Balwinder Singh Bains and Simarjeet Singh Bains. While the Bains brothers were independent candidates who were leaning towards AAP, Pargat Singh was recently expelled from Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on charges of indulging in anti-party activities Sidhu had resigned from the Rajya Sabha on 18 July, fuelling speculation that he may join the AAP.