Making some headway in the controversy that has dominated the first week of the new government in Punjab, chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh has said if Navjot Sidhu wants to continue doing television, he may have to change Mr Sidhu’s ministry.
The former test cricketer said yesterday his TV appearance was “no one’s business” after Capt Amarinder Singh sought legal opinion whether there was any conflict of interest in Mr Sidhu appearing on a television show while being a cabinet minister.
Capt Amarinder Singh said there may be a conflict of interest since one of the portfolios the former BJP MP is holding is Ministry of Culture, he may have to give up the portfolio.
"I am no an expert of the constitution. But if it is possible we have no objection... why will we? In this case, we will have to do only one thing, since he is also Minister of Culture, we have may have to change his portfolio," said the Punjab chief minister.
Navjot Singh Sidhu regularly appears on a popular comedy show ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’ as a celebrity judge.
The issue of his TV stint has been the talking point in corridors of power for much of this week.
Mr Sidhu has maintained that he earns his livelihood from his television appearances and will not give up his TV career.
"Should I run a bus service like Sukhbir Singh Badal, or indulge in corruption? If I work four days a month, 7 pm to 6 am, why are people getting a stomachache?" he said.
Sidhu who was touted to be made the deputy chief minister before the Punjab election results has been made the minister for Local Bodies and Culture.
Many believe, an overwhelming victory that saw Congress winning 77 seats out of total 117 has left Mr Sidhu with little bargaining power for any position in the government.
His refusal to give up his TV career is thought to be his way of expressing resentment at not being made the deputy chief minister.
