Sidhu Moosewala, a Punjabi singer whose songs often
feature guns and police cases, is the latest addition to the Congress in Punjab
ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled early next year. The rapper is
expected to contest elections from his home constituency of Masa, according to
an NDTV report. Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and state Congress
chief Navjot Singh Sidhu welcomed him into the party fold Friday.

The 28-year-old singer is known as a notorious figure
and has several cases registered against him for allegedly glorifying guns and
violence through his music. But the Congress did not seek to answer questions
on their newest the cases against their newest recruit at the event of his
initiation.

Punjab Congress chief and sometimes the party’s
harshest critic Navjot Singh Sidhu said, “Why are you asking about issues which
are sub-judice? Let the people of Punjab decide about him. The media should not
decide.”

The cricketer-turned-politician later shared a picture
with the new Congress recruit, calling him “champ”.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi said, “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.”

Sidhu Moosewala, 28, is popular for his ‘gangster rap’.
Moosewala’s songs often feature the charms of his life in the Moosa village and
is sometimes accused of glorifying caste divides.

Speaking to the media upon joining the Congress, the young
rapper 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.”

Sidhu Moosewala’s real name is Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu. He
studied engineering and took to music while he was in college.