Sidhu slammed by Shiv Sena over decision of attending Imran Khan's swearing-in ceremony in Pakistan

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed strong objection to Sidhu’s intent of attending Khan’s swearing-in ceremony. He said before visiting Pakistan, Sidhu should first visit the house of martyred major Kaustubh Rane.

Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu.

New Delhi: Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu who accepted Pakistan's PM designate Imran Khan's invitation for his wearing in ceremony, faced backlash from Shiv Sena on Sunday. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut expressed strong objection to Sidhu’s intent of attending Khan’s swearing-in ceremony. He said before visiting Pakistan, Sidhu should first visit the house of martyred major Kaustubh Rane. Sidhu said that he will be attending Khan's swearing-in ceremony, shortly after Khan extended him a personal invite over a telephone conversation. According to Punjab's Information and Public Relations Department, Khan also thanked Sidhu for praising him in a press conference on August 2. Meanwhile, the Punjab Minister informed the Union Home Ministry and the office of the Chief Minister of Punjab regarding his intention to attend the swearing-in ceremony. He further revealed that he was in talks with former Indian skipper Kapil Dev, who has also been invited to the event. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday confirmed that the Prime Minister-in-waiting will take oath at the President House in Islamabad on August 18, instead of August 11. For the swearing-in ceremony, Imran Khan has invited the Indian cricketers of his time Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Navjot Singh Siddhu. while Gavaskar clarified that he will not be attending the function, Sidhu and Dev are reportedly awaiting government approval.