Navjot Singh Sidhu, Sacked From 'The Kapil Sharma Show', May Lose Ministry as Pressure Mounts on Congress

New Delhi, February 16: Navjot Singh Sidhu, who has been sacked from 'The Kapil Sharma Show' after his remarks on Pulwama terror attack triggered outrage, may lose ministry as pressure is mounting on the Congress party to remove him from Punjab cabinet. The hashtags #SackSidhuFromPunjabCabinet and #boycottsidhu were among the top trends on Twitter on Saturday, with netizens asking Congress party to sack Navjot Singh Sidhu from Punjab cabinet.

"For a handful of people, can you blame the entire nation and can you blame an individual? It (Pulwama terror attack) is a cowardly act and I condemn it firmly. Violence is always condemnable and those who did it must be punished," Sidhu had said during a media interaction on Friday. His remarks drew angry reactions on social media platforms as many found his comments insensitive. People called for a boycott of 'The Kapil Sharma Show' where Sidhu appears as a special guest. Pulwama Terror Attack: JeM Terrorist Used 80 Kg RDX, Blast Tossed a Body 80 Metres Away.

Following the outrage, it is learnt that the channel that airs 'The Kapil Sharma Show' has sacked Sidhu and Archana Puram Singh is likely to replace him on the comedy show. Congress has been under pressure as well to act against Sidhu. Though no statement is issued by the party or the Punjab government on the controversy, Sidhu may lose his cabinet berth if protests continue. This is not the first time Sidhu is facing flak for 'being soft' on Pakistan.

Sidhu was criticised for lavishing praise on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and attending his swearing-in ceremony last year where he also hugged Pakistan's army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. He was also targeted over a photograph which showed him posing with Gopal Singh Chawla, the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee head who is considered pro-Khalistan.

Besides, Sidhu's relationship with Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh is said to be under strain since he made controversial remarks when reporters asked him about going to Pakistan despite the chief minister's disapproval. “Rahul Gandhi is my captain. It is he who sent me to Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi is the captain of the captain (Amarinder Singh) also,” Sidhu had said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 16, 2019 05:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).