Suspense continues over Sidhu’s release from prison

Chandigarh: Even as suspense continued over the early release of senior Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu in the absence of any official word on whether he could be released from Patiala jail on Republic Day, the former PCC chief’s team posted a route map on his verified Facebook page and preparations were on at the cricketer-turned-politician’s Patiala residence.
Sources in the chief minister’s office said no decision had been taken on the proposal for remissions till late evening. “It should have gone to the cabinet before going to the governor’s office and there is, therefore, nothing on Sidhu’s release for now,” said a senior official. Till Wednesday, there was no official announcement on any of the remissions by the state government.
A post by ‘Team Navjot Singh Sidhu’ on Facebook read: “Route map for tomorrow. Request all to gather at designated places to welcome our beloved leader S. Navjot Singh Sidhu.” There were also reports of preparations at Sidhu’s Patiala residence and his supporters were upbeat, claiming that he will be released on the Republic Day.
According to government sources, the jail authorities had earlier put Sidhu’s name on the list of prisoners eligible for early release. The Supreme Court in May last year had awarded a one-year sentence to Sidhu in a 1988 road rage case. He had on May 20 surrendered before a court and was sent to Patiala Central Jail, where he is currently lodged.
On Wednesday, Congress ex-MLA Rajinder Singh claimed that Sidhu will be released from jail on Thursday and will again lead the party in the state.