Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 31
Harkesh Singh Sidhu, who retired as Special Secretary (Labour) today, is all set to join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Sources said he would join AAP next week. Sidhu, who served as Deputy Commissioner of Barnala, Kapurthala and Sangrur, was also sarpanch of his native village before he joined the civil services. He once contested SGPC elections as an Independent.
Sidhu played a crucial role in computerising revenue records in the districts where he was Deputy Commissioner. When contacted, Sidhu said he had decided to join politics because there was a need to cleanse the system.
"I would like to work as a political missionary and to contribute my bit to educating the electorate so that honest people are elected to Parliament and the Vidhan Sabha," he said.
Despite enthusiasm among certain sections, especially ex-servicemen, professionals, the youth and intellectuals, about AAP's new brand of politics, a leadership vacuum at the top has impeded the party’s growth in the state.
The party has no organised structure in Punjab. Some NGOs, RTI activists and intellectuals have been working for AAP on their own.
The AAP leadership has been negotiating with various state leaders to hand them over the party command. Reports suggest that AAP at one point of time was in touch with People's Party of Punjab (PPP) leaders Manpreet Singh and Bhagwant Mann. Sources say the party has also gathered information on at least two Congress leaders who have been vocal against SAD's top leadership.
HS Phoolka, a Supreme Court lawyer, who came to the limelight for fighting the cases of 1984 riot victims, may emerge as the party's face in the state. He is likely to contest the Lok Sabha election from Ludhiana.
The AAP high command will have to address the leadership issue first, lest the enthusiasm of its potential supporters in the state wears off.
Party yet to find feet
- AAP leaders have held talks with various leaders in Punjab
- It has gathered information on two Cong leaders, say sources
- HS Phoolka, SC lawyer, may emerge as the party's face in the state
- He may contest the Ludhiana LS seat
Source Link: http://www.tribuneindia.com
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