Embarrassed Congress distances itself from Punjab minister Sidhu

NEW DELHI: Stressing that the situation was not conducive for talks with Pakistan, Congress on Thursday distanced itself from the comments of its Punjab minister and ace campaigner Navjot Singh Sidhu who advocated dialogue amid ongoing tensions.

Besides advocating dialogue, Sidhu also praised Pakistan PM Imran Khan for announcing the release of fighter pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan by saying, “Every noble act makes a way for itself... your goodwill gesture is ‘a cup of joy’ for a billion people, a nation rejoices... I am overjoyed for his parents and loved ones.”

AICC spokesman Manish Tewari said, “There is a time to act and there is a time to talk. Dialogue can only take place when the atmosphere is conductive for dialogue. The current atmosphere is not conducive for dialogue. If Sidhu has an opinion, it is his personal opinion and not that of Congress.”

Amid unceasing Indo-Pak confrontation, Sidhu on Thursday tweeted, “I stand by my conviction that dialogue and diplomatic pressure will count for a great deal in seeking a long-term solution to the presence and practice of terror outfits that operate within and across the border. The solution is peace, development and progress. Not unemployment, hatred and fear.”