Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans joins Congress

Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans on Saturday joined the Congress party in the presence of Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh at the latter's house here.

Hans, who remained politically inactive for over a year ever since he left the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in late 2014, said Amarinder approached him to join the party and he immediately said yes.

"He asked me to join the party. Now I'm 100 percent into it. Amarinder is a very transparent personality. He is not at all diplomatic. His nature is not like other, typical politicians," Hans told IANS.

"Congress is a secular party. It does not look fanatic. They promote and take care of every religion and is equal for all. That's why I decided to join it," the Padma Shri awardee said.

Hans joined SAD in 2009 and unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha election that year from Jalandhar. He also remained the party's vice-president but announced his exit in December 2014.

Talking about his singing, Hans, who has remained a prominent part of the Indian music industry for over three decades, said: "I will continue to sing. There are a few more singles lined up, which I'll announce once the time is right."