New Delhi, Sept 18: Congress leader and Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is under radar of political opponents after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj reportedly reprimanded him for "messing up" the dialogue with Pakistan on opening up of Kartarpur Sahib route. Sushma Swaraj Contradicts Navjot Singh Sidhu's Claim, Says 'No Word From Pakistan on Kartarpur Sahib Corridor'.

The BJP, along with ally Shiromani Akali Dal, launched a scathing attack, saying that his "peacemaking stunt" in Islamabad and "hugplomacy" -- a reference to him hugging Pakistan Army chief at Imran Khan's swearing-in -- has damaged national interests.

Sidhu in Line of Fire: Who Said What so Far

The Akali Dal has accused Sidhu of "falling into the trap" of Pakistan's spy wing - Inter-State Intelligence (ISI). "He has gone mental. I think he has close relations with ISI and Pakistan, his call details should be probed," said former Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Sidhu has "demoralised" the nation by hugging an Army chief whose forces are responsible for the death of scores of Indian soldiers.

"If it demoralises people I wished Sidhu would have avoided. I'm not talking about going, but that single gesture of hugging the Chief of Pakistan Army," she said.

BJP's Punjab unit chief Vijay Sampla called Sidhu a "spokesperson" of Imran Khan, claiming that the Congress leader is more interested in justifying the stand of Pakistan than India.

"Is Navjot Sidhu ji a Pakistan spokesperson? Is he a Pakistani Govt official? It is Pakistan which has to officially put out a statement or communication on this (Kartarpur corridor), not him. Unfortunately, he thinks politics is also a comedy show," he said.

Apart from the political opponents, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh also trained guns at Sidhu, saying that hugging General Qamar Javed Bajwa should had been "avoided".

"Everyday our jawans are getting martyred. To hug their Chief General Bajwa...I am against this," he said.

Sidhu's Rebuttal

Facing flak from all corners, Sidhu addressed the press on Tuesday. Dismissing reports of being snubbed by Swaraj, Sidhu claimed that he had a detailed discussion with the External Affairs Minister on Monday. "I told her that we should send a formal request to Pakistan for opening up the Kartarpur route, as they have expressed interest in doing so," he said.

On attacks from the BJP and Akali Dal, Sidhu said such incidents would not discourage him from pursuing the path of peace and friendship. "Only dialogue is the only solution. There is no substitute for it," he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2018 05:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).