Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala joins Congress

Punjab : Sidhu Moosewala, a controversial Punjabi singer known for having police cases against him, has joined Congress on Friday ahead of the upcoming Punjab elections early next year. Both Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and state Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu welcomed him aboard.

He will be contesting the upcoming elections from his hometown – Mansa.

Sidhu Moosewala, 28, have many cases registered against him for allegedly glorifying guns and violence through his songs.

"Why are you asking about issues which are subjudice? Let the people of Punjab decide about him. The media should not decide," Mr Sidhu told reporters.

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi added: "He has won the hearts of everyone. He is a son of a farmer and his father is an ex-army officer. I am sure he will make Congress party proud, I welcome him on behalf of Congress."

Navjot Sidhu later also tweeted a photo with the newest Congress recruit, calling him "champ".

Sidhu belongs to "Moosa Village" in Mansa and his mother is the Sarpanch of the village.

Responding to media questions, he said: "This is my first press conference. Just three years back I started singing. Now four years later I am taking a new step. Mansa is not that developed... a part of this area raised me, so I will raise my voice from here."