Siddhus TV career in trouble

Clinging to his television role even after becoming a minister in Punjab, Navjyot Singh Siddhu insisted that “what I do after 6 pm is no one’s business.” But on his “captain”, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, seeking legal advice on his double role, Mr Sidhu appeared to make a tactical retreat.

“The boss is always right,” Mr Sidhu told reporters today. Punjab Advocate General, Atul Nanda has confirmed that he has received Amarinder Singh’s query on whether a minister can do TV shows. “Yes, the Chief Minister has asked for legal advice, I will provide it once I receive the files,” Mr Nanda said today.

If there is any legal objection, Mr Sidhu “will 100 per cent give up his TV show” said his wife Navjot Kaur, a former lawmaker.Last week, the 53-year-old cricketer-turned-politician was sworn in along with eight cabinet ministers in Punjab. After the Congress’s victory in the state, there was speculation that Mr Sidhu, a prized catch for the party, would land the second-best job of Deputy Chief Minister.

But he has been assigned the less weighty Local Bodies portfolio, after which he urged the Chief Minister to bring all urban development departments under his ministry. “It was a suggestion, not a demand,” said Navjot Kaur. Some believe Mr Sidhu’s insistence on a TV career is a form of protest. Other reports suggest the flamboyant commentator and comedy show regular requested a lighter ministry to enable his shows.

“70-80 per cent of my TV appearances have come down. It is not an office of profit,” Mr Sidhu told reporters today.Known for his endless supply of quotable quotes and quips, Mr Sidhu has been part of stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma’s show for years.