Chandigarh: A day after withdrawing Y plus security of former Amritsar MP and BJP leader Navjot Sidhu, the Badal government on Wednesday (Oct. 16) took you turn and restored his security cover. The security cover was withdrawn after Navjot Sidhu’s verbal attacks on Badals during election campaign in Haryana.
The U-turn is being seen by many as a consequence of reaction from the Punjab BJP which came out in the open against the government’s move and urged Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to restore Sidhu’s security.
BJP’s India level secretary Tarun Chugh had termed it a “prestige issue” while Punjab BJP chief Kamal Sharma had sought the CM’s intervention.
Navjot Sidhu has reportedly expressed surprise over the turnaround by the Punjab Government, wondering “what has changed overnight that the government backtracked on its decision. Were they trying to scare me?”
Sidhu had termed the withdrawal of his security cover as ‘hit below the belt’ by Badals. There is apparent bitterness between ruling allies in Punjab since results of last Lok Sabha elections where BJP did not get expected results despite getting clear majority in the Center. Badal Dal’s decision to contest elections in Haryana in alliance with BJP’s rival INDL has further irked ruling party of India.