NCP backs Sidhu's debut innings with Congress, calls the move mutually beneficial

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday said Navjot Singh Sidhu's induction in Congress party would be mutually beneficial for each other and the grand old party would reap benefits from him in the upcoming elections.

"His induction is beneficial for him as well as for the party as Sidhu is a good orator and if he is pitched as a campaigner in Punjab and other states then Congress would reap benefit from it," NCP leader Tariq Anwar told ANI.

Ahead of the Punjab Assembly polls, former BJP leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday joined the Congress party.

The ex-cricketer was formally inducted into the party by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Sunday.

Soon after joining the Congress, Sidhu tweeted: "Beginning of a new inning. On the front foot.. Punjab, Punjabiyat and every Punjabi must win!"

Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh, who was not present at the occasion, said it was "great news" and that Sidhu's joining would further strengthen the grand old party in the run-up to the State Assembly elections.