Sidhu should join Pakistan Cabinet: BJP spokesperson

NEW DELHI: Former cricketer and Indian minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is continuing to face barbs back home for his stance advocating peace with Pakistan, and now the two senior ruling Bharatiya Janata Party representatives have launched a fresh salvo against the ex-cricketer.

BJP national spokespersons Sambit Patra and GVL Narasimha Rao lashed out at Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu over his remarks made at an event in Kasauli, according to Times of India.

Sidhu on Saturday had said that his travel experience to Pakistan was way better than South India.

READ: Sidhu says travelling to Pakistan ‘better than visiting South India’

Speaking to ANI BJP leader Sambit Patra said, “He has given statements that are appalling. Is he quitting the cabinet of Captain Amarinder Singh of Punjab and joining the cabinet of Mr Imran Khan of Pakistan? Because it almost appears like that. Rahul Gandhi should answer for this or should remove Navjot Singh Sidhu from the Congress party”.

Sidhu on Saturday said that he traveled a lot to South. He added that he failed to understand the language there and also the food is something that he cannot have for a longer period of time, reported the TimesNow.

Read: Pakistan loves Sidhu’s ‘Jaadu Ki Jhappi’ to army chief

Sidhu then recalled his recent trip to Pakistan and said that the language was the same. He added that one abuse in Punjabi overpowers 10 abuses made in English.

To a question, he said: My Jhapi [to Pakistan army chief] was no conspiracy, it was no Rafale deal…I hugged you…is this a conspiracy or what? If somebody tells me that they are ready to open the Kartarpur corridor. I mean they said it 400 times that we are ready to open the corridor then this is the way I show affection. I will hug and also kiss them. I care two hoots about people who play dirty politics on that. I have lived my life on my terms.

Rao told ANI, “He (Sidhu) thinks he relates more to the people of Pakistan than with those living in South India. He can have any amount of love and affection for the people of Pakistan just like his party leader Rahul Gandhi. But, he should not insult the people of India and not insult the Indian army. As a citizen of South India, I demand Rahul Gandhi’s apology on behalf of his party, if he ever wants to step in South of India and should also force Sidhu out of the Punjab government.”