Suspended by SAD, former India hockey captain Pargat Singh may soon join AAP

Chandigarh: Former Indian hockey captain and Jalandhar Cantonment MLA Pargat Singh, who has been suspended by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), is reportedly mulling to join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the Punjab Assembly Elections 2017.

The SAD said in a statement that its president Sukhbir Singh Badal, in consultation with senior members of the party, decided to suspend Pargat Singh as well as another lawmaker Inderbir Singh Bolaria.

SAD spokesman Dr Daljit Singh Cheema was quoted as saying that both were suspended over anti-party activities.

The party decided to tackle indiscipline with a firm hand, Cheema said.

He added that the further course of action will be decided by the party's core committee soon.

Meanwhile, Singh said the suspension from the party was his punishment for raising the people’s voice.

Singh added that he had not been informed about what “anti-party” activities he was indulging in.

The former India hockey player had been at loggerheads with the party leadership for long over a controversial solid waste plant project at Jamsher village in Jalandhar.

Singh said he would continue to raise the people's voice, 'come what may'.

He further indicated that he was open to exploring new political options.

The development comes speculation that Navjot Singh Sidhu, who has resigned as BJP Rajya Sabha MP, may soon quit the party and joint the AAP.