BJP burns effigy of Navjot Sidhu

 Gowliguda:  BJP leaders on Sunday burnt an effigy of Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for allegedly comparing the culture of Pakistan with that of South India. Speaking to media, Rakesh Jaiswal, advisory member for Indian Council for Cultural Relations, condemned the remarks made by the former Indian cricketer, and said that such kind of remarks does not suit a minister. Sidhu is indirectly supporting Pakistan through his remarks, he said, and added that he should remember that he had played his first test (ODI) from Chennai in 1987. “He must clarify his statements. Does he want to influence the votes in the upcoming elections with such kind of statements?” he asked. 

Jaiswal demanded that Sidhu should retract his statements before BJP asks the President of India to initiate a punitive action against him. He said that if Sidhu does not take back his words within a week, BJP will start to lodge complaints at different police stations in the coming days. “Earlier, his acts during his visit to Pakistan drew widespread criticism. He hugged Pakistani Army Chief Qamar Bajwa, whose hands are stained with the blood of Indian army men,” he added.