Congress targets Badal, says Sidhu's explanation on RS exit 'half truth'

The Congress on Monday said cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu's explanation on his resignation as a BJP parliamentarian was 'half truth', adding Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) does not want him to participate actively in state politics.

Congress leader Ambika Soni said it is hard to digest that why will the BJP not support a leader which has done well for the party from Punjab.

"I think Navjot Singh Sidhu has told us the half truth. It is very strange for me that why will the BJP keep away Navjot Singh Sidhu from Punjab who has been a parliamentarian from Punjab... I think it must be told in open that Akali Dal is not allowing Sidhu to participate in Punjab politics," said Soni.

Sidhu, who resigned from the Upper House last week, finally broke his silence on the same and said that he stepped down as the Rajya Sabha MP because he was asked to stay away from Punjab.

Addressing a press conference here today, Sidhu said, "I resigned from the Rajya Sabha because I was told that I will not head towards Punjab and will stay away from the state. How could Sidhu leave his state? How could I leave the people who enabled me to win the polls?

"I was told to stay away from Punjab. Why was I told to do so? How can I leave Punjab for some selfish gains? I am a true nationalist. No party is bigger than Punjab. Even a bird comes back to its nest. How can Navjot Sidhu leave his home, his people? I will always be there to ensure that Punjab benefits. I only want to serve Punjab and Amritsar. How can Navjot Singh Sidhu leave the soil he belongs to?" he added.

Sidhu represented Amritsar in the Lok Sabha between 2004 and 2014. However, he was asked to make way for party colleague Arun Jaitley during the 2014 general election.