Navjot Sidhu: A catalyst that Punjab needs

Navjot Singh Sidhu is frequently misunderstood, but here's the reality behind it all. His outright attitude may hurt some people but clarity in his vision for Punjab makes up for it. His love for Pakistan may have offended some nationalist sentiments but his righteousness which eventually led to a fallout with BJP proves that he puts interests of Punjab ahead of any single party’s.

For instance, Navjot Sidhu had advocated resuming trade with Pakistan via Punjab. However, the PPCC President was criticized by the BJP and yet again he was accused of favouring Pakistan than giving importance to the national security of India. It is pertinent to mention here that Sidhu had questioned the Centre for allowing trade with Pakistan through Karachi and Mumbai while halting it between Amritsar and Lahore. 

Sidhu, during a visit to trade exhibition ‘PITEX’, had stated that the halt in trade between Amritsar and Lahore resulted in a loss of Rs 4,000 crore and 15,000 jobs to Punjab over the past 34 months. Therefore, Sidhu was all clear in his thoughts that jobs must be saved and new jobs must be created for the people of Punjab. 

"If a New Punjab has to be made, it is in the hands of the CM... You have to choose the CM this time. People at the top want a weak CM who can dance to their tunes. Do you want such a CM?," said State Congress chief Navjot S Sidhu amid sloganeering by supporters.

The Punjab Model, which he incepted, requires a leader who values study, research, and solutions; the model has the potential to transform Punjab's economy and residents' lifestyles. In fact, Rajya Sabha member Partap Singh Bajwa during a press conference had stated that Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu’s 13-point ‘Punjab Model’ will be part of the Congress manifesto. 

During a press conference along with Pratap Bajwa, Sidhu had discussed his Punjab model. Sidhu said, "Under the Punjab Model, our government will form a ‘Jittega Punjab commission’, a think tank which will frame policies for the state and various government departments." Similarly, he announced to form a liquor corporation and sand corporation to end the mafia rule.

Furthermore, the PPCC President had stated the ‘Punjab Model’ will generate income up to INR 1 lakh crore in the state finances by ending mafia rule.

His aim to eradicate mafias, be it Drug, Sand or Mining Mafia, is quite evident in his propositions. Perhaps such people are opposed to him because of their own vested interests.

If Sidhu’s thirteen-pronged Punjab Model comes into execution, Punjab is likely to be on its way to self-reliance in economic and other capacities.  

Leaving a massive TV industry and entertainment field behind is a decision that says a lot in itself. He has done considerable work on issues like desecration, corruption, and narcotics. Sidhu’s clash with BJP revolved around two major things: the party’s lack of action on drug abuse and Badal’s involvement in Guru Granth Sahib's sacrilege. 

Despite former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh calling Sidhu a 'fickle minded' person, the PPCC President has not compromised with his agenda. For instance, Sidhu resigned as the PPCC Chief days after Captain Amarinder's exit from the party because of his firm stance on the Guru Granth Sahib sacrilege. 

Ahead of the upcoming Punjab elections, central and state security agencies have started working pro-actively. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Bikram Singh Majithia has been asked to surrender before the trial court before February 23 by the Supreme Court in the drugs case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Bhupinder Singh Honey on Thursday evening, in connection with the multicrore illegal sand mining case leaving a major setback for the Channi-led Congress Government ahead of the Punjab Election. 

This is strong evidence that there may be flaws, but Sidhu's intentions regarding Punjab are clean. If Punjab is to change for the better, a leader with a vision and supported action is required.