New Delhi, July 18 (IANS): BJP leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, who was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the Narendra Modi government, on Monday tendered his resignation from the House of Elders sparking off speculation that he may join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

"Navjot Singh Sidhu, nominated member, resigns from Rajya Sabha," Gurdeep Singh Sappal, OSD to the Vice President Hamid Ansari said in a tweet.

The resignation letter has been addressed to Ansari, who is chairman of the Rajya Sabha, official sources said, adding he is likely to accept the resignation.

The resignation came as a big surprise to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which shares power with the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab. The state is expected to go to the polls early next year.

Reacting to the development, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told TV channels: "We welcome the resignation of Sidhu from Rajya Sabha. For other queries you have, it's all premature."

Sanjay Singh also said the resignation of the cricketer-turned-politician from the Upper House is seen as a "protest" against the ongoing Akali-BJP dispensation in Punjab. 

"All right minded people should join this dharam yudh (righteous battle) against corruption," the AAP leader said.

AAP is seen as a contender for power in Punjab.