JALANDHAR: Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) has thanked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for giving "unrestricted authority" to Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to voice Sikh sentiments over Kartarpur Corridor. Notably, Sarna known for his proximity to Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh , had urged the latter to accept the invitation from Pakistan to attend groundbreaking ceremony for the Corridor but Amarinder declined the invitation.

Sarna also alleged that at the instructions of Nagpur (implying RSS headquarters) negative propaganda had been unleashed against the corridor.

He held that braving the negative propaganda unleashed against him, Sidhu came out strong and voiced Sikh sentiments over Kartarpur Sahib.

“Clearly, Congress president Rahul Gandhi worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the Punjab minister freely expresses what the Sikh faithful collectively feel about a free passage to their historical gurdwaras on that side of the border,” said Sarna who also remained president of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee.

"With their negative narrative on Sri Kartarpur Sahib through sectarian forces Nagpur has alienated the entire Sikh community, which will deliver its verdict democratically across the country in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections due next year," he added.

