Navjot Singh Sidhu Joins Congress, To Contest From Amritsar-East

Sidhu’s wife had joined the Congress earlier.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi (left) and Navjot Singh Sidhu (right). (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@ANI_news)

Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday joined Congress ahead of assembly poll in Punjab after meeting party vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

Sidhu's wife Navjot Kaur had joined Congress in November last year, leading to speculation that he may follow suit.

The 53-year-old is going to contest from Amritsar-East Assembly seat, party leaders said.

"Indian National Congress (INC) welcomes S Navjot Singh Sidhu into Congress family and we thank Congress Vice President for his visionary approach in bringing together like-minded people on common platform under the Congress umbrella," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said in a statement.

"Known for straight talking, ideological commitment to the cause of nationalism as also wit and humour, we are certain that Congress party will be immensely strengthened in Punjab and elsewhere with the entry of Sidhu," said the statement posted on the party Twitter handle.

Navjot Kaur along with Pargat Singh, a former Akali Dal legislator who had joined hands with Sidhu to form the outfit Awaaz-E Punjab, had joined Congress after the Sidhus left the BJP.

Earlier, there was speculation that the couple may join Aam Aadmi Party but their talks with AAP leadership failed.

Punjab goes to polls on 4 February.