Navjot Singh Sidhu on brink of losing voice, injured vocal cords after 70 back-to-back rallies: Sources

Amid high-decibel political campaign ahead of crucial state polls and Lok Sabha election next year, Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu is on the verge of losing his voice, sources said. According to a statement released by Sidhu's office, the Congress leader has injured his vocal cords owing to the exhaustive 17-day election campaign and, therefore, is advised complete bed rest for five days.

"The exhaustive schedule has injured his vocal cords. The doctors tell him that he was on the brink of losing his voice and have suggested a complete 3-5-day rest," the statement read.

There are also reports that the cricketer-turned-politician has addressed over 70 back-to-back public meetings and continuous helicopter and plane travel has been 'detrimental' to his health.

Speaking to reporters on Sidhu's current health condition a spokesperson of the State Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister said, "He has undergone a series of blood tests which require sincere evaluation. He has gone to an undisclosed location for a complete check-up and recovery. He is being administered specialised medication, along with breathing exercises and physiotherapy."

Read | Navjot Singh Sidhu defends his photo with Khalistani leader Gopal Chawla, says don't know the man

Sidhu has been in headlines ever since he visited Pakistan to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his friend and cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan as Pakistan Prime Minister. Sidhu's Islamabad trip to take part in Khan's oath-taking ceremony evoked a wide condemnation from across the party lines, with the BJP accusing him of acting like a "Pakistani agent".

His second and recent visit to Pakistan during Kartarpur corridor opening also irked many within the party since it came after a grenade attack at a Nirankari samagam on the outskirts of Amritsar.

Read | Navjot Kaur backs husband as more Punjab ministers hit out at Navjot Singh over 'captain' jibe

The Kartarpur corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims.