Akalis Not Amused With Sidhu Wordplay, Ask BJP to "Tame" Him

Chandigarh: Cricketer-turned-BJP-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu doubles up as a quip master, but the Akali Dal is not laughing. The BJP's Punjab ally has officially complained against Mr Sidhu's comment on alleged corruption in the state government and wants the BJP to "tame" him.

Mr Sidhu had, in a public address on the weekend, accused the Akali government of converting politics into a commercial venture, saying in his trademark style, "For them, it is only 10 per cent sewa (service) and 90 per cent mewa (commercial benefits)." It was an undisguised dig at the Akali Dal's slogan of "Raj Nahi, Sewa (service, not rule)."

Without naming anyone, the former MP also said the time had come to root out corrupt leaders.

The Akali Dal has asked the BJP to "tame Sidhu" and has warned that his remarks will create bitterness in the alliance.

Punjab Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema has petitioned the state BJP to take disciplinary action against Mr Sidhu for "speaking against the coalition." The BJP participates in the government in the Akali Dal-led Punjab government.

Navjot Singh Sidhu had also attacked the Akalis while campaigning for BJP candidates in Haryana before the assembly elections last month.