Political Turmoil in Punjab: AAP and BJP Demand Clarity from Congress Over Sidhu's Wife's Controversial Remarks

Political Controversy Unfolds in Punjab

On Sunday, both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab called for an explanation from the Congress party following comments made by Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of party leader Navjot Singh Sidhu. She suggested that a person who offers a 'suitcase of Rs 500 crore' could become the chief minister, as reported by a news outlet.

Navjot Kaur Sidhu made these remarks during a press interaction in Chandigarh after meeting with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. She expressed that her husband remains 'strongly attached' to the Congress and would return to active politics if he is named the chief ministerial candidate.

With Assembly elections anticipated in Punjab for 2027, she voiced concerns about internal conflicts within the party, stating, 'I do not feel that they will let Navjot Sidhu be promoted as there are already five CM faces, and they are determined to defeat the Congress.'

She further remarked, 'We always advocate for Punjab, but we do not possess Rs 500 crore to secure the chief ministerial position.'

When questioned about any monetary demands made to them, she clarified that no one had asked for money, but reiterated that 'the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the CM.'

AAP leader Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal responded to her comments by stating that Navjot Kaur Sidhu had revealed a harsh truth, indicating that the Congress is the 'most corrupt party' in India. He emphasized that in a party where candidates allegedly need to pay such exorbitant amounts, it reflects poorly on their integrity.

Baltej Pannu, AAP's Punjab general secretary, stated that her comments unveiled the troubling reality of Congress's operations, where leadership decisions are influenced by personal ambitions and financial transactions. He described her statements as 'deeply disturbing' and called for accountability from the Congress.

BJP leader Tarun Chugh echoed these sentiments, asserting that Navjot Kaur Sidhu had exposed the 'money-driven politics' within the Congress, suggesting that the chief minister's position could be 'purchased' through financial deals.

Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa remarked that it appeared the Sidhu family had a specific agenda upon joining the party, questioning the integrity of their actions. He challenged them to clarify the circumstances surrounding their rise within the party.

Randhawa concluded by suggesting that the Congress leadership should part ways with Sidhu before he decides to return to the BJP, indicating a need for a decisive resolution to the ongoing political drama.

Navjot Singh Sidhu's political journey began in 2004 with the BJP, but he left the party in 2016 and joined Congress a year later. After the Congress's defeat in the 2022 Assembly elections, he resigned as the Punjab Congress chief.