In a surprising turn of events, Parampal Kaur Sidhu, a former IAS officer and daughter-in-law of ex-Shiromani Akali Dal minister Sikander Singh Maluka, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday. Speculations are rife that she may be nominated as the BJP’s candidate for the Bathinda Lok Sabha seat.
However, her decision to join the BJP has stirred controversy as the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is yet to accept her resignation from the civil services. Mann has cautioned Sidhu about the potential ramifications of joining a political party before her resignation is formally accepted.
Sidhu’s move comes at a crucial juncture in Punjab’s political landscape, as the BJP is contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections independently for the first time since 1998, breaking away from its long-standing alliance with the Akali Dal.
Observers are particularly intrigued by Sidhu’s decision given her familial ties to the Akali Dal, with her father-in-law still actively involved in the party’s affairs. The BJP’s struggle to find a suitable candidate for the Bathinda constituency, coupled with the declining health of incumbent MP Manpreet Badal, has intensified the significance of Sidhu’s entry into the fray.
As the election date approaches, the political dynamics in Punjab are undergoing a significant shift, with Sidhu’s move adding another layer of complexity to the contest. The acceptance of her resignation by the Punjab government remains a critical aspect to monitor as the electoral battle heats up in the state.