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Tribune News Service
Chandigarh/Ludhiana, Feb 16
Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is expected to face the heat from his Cabinet colleagues on Sunday over his alleged pro-Pakistan remark after the Pulwama attack.
Though his former party, the BJP, as well as the Akali Dal have demanded his removal from the Cabinet, none of his colleagues have so far reacted to his statement.
Official sources said some of the ministers were gearing up to corner him in the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Sunday. The meeting has been called to approve the Budget proposals to be tabled in the House on Monday.
A senior Cabinet minister, requesting anonymity, told The Tribune, that the issue had been discussed between some of them, and they were appalled at Sidhu’s statement.
“Organisations with separatist Sikh ideology are running online polls and alleging government hand behind the tragedy to derail the Kashmir freedom movement, comparing it to Chittisinghpora massacre of Sikhs in 2000. If a responsible minister like Sidhu gives such a statement, clearly seeking to absolve Pakistan and his friend from cricketing days, Imran Khan from the dastardly act, he is taking a similar political line. He is answerable to his colleagues,” said the minister, adding that Sidhu had reportedly been asked to leave the popular TV programme, The Kapil Sharma Show.
Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad too has distanced himself from Sidhu’s remark saying that this was no time to hold peace talks. “We are with the government on this issue,” he said.
Punjab Congress general secretary Pawan Dewan has demanded Sidhu’s dismissal and registration of a sedition case against him for “acting as spokesperson for Pakistan”.
Sidhu, however, remained defiant. He told The Tribune that he had always said what was right. “If I compromise with truth, I will collapse as a human being. I even let go of the offer of the BJP for a six-year Rajya Sabha term for something I felt was wrong.
“I had said yesterday that for four or five people, we can’t blame a nation or an individual. What is wrong in saying that, especially when everyone knows that the country is foremost for me, even above my personal friendship. Do I even need to prove that? I understand the sentiments of the people and my party. In a democracy everyone has an opinion. I have never encroached on anyone’s territory, but I strongly believe that nirbhayta (fearlessness) and natikta (ethics) go hand in hand. I am walking the path of truth and have not compromised on my morality. People are angry now, but they will understand that development cannot be stopped nor can peace initiatives be stopped for a dastardly act by a few individuals,” he said.
Cancels visit to Sultanpur Lodhi
Kapurthala: After facing backlash over his alleged pro-Pakistan remark and reports of his removal from TV show, Sidhu cancelled his visit to Sultanpur Lodhi on Saturday. MLA Navtej Cheema said Sidhu had convened a meeting with officers to review the ongoing works ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak in the evening, but he shelved his plan. TNS
Expel minister from cabinet: Majithia
"I request Congress president Rahul Gandhi to expel Sidhu from the party for speaking the language of anti-nationals. His stance will weaken India’s case for action against Pakistan at the international level" — Bikram Singh Majithia, Akali MLA
Capt Amarinder must act against him: BJP
"I appreciate the stand taken by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, who has spoken like a true soldier on the issue. Politics is a serious business and if Capt Amarinder is serious, he must sack Sidhu" — Kamal Sharma, former state BJP chief
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