Navjot Singh Sidhu is a prominent figure in Punjab politics, yet his ambitions were unfulfilled both in BJP and Congress. Although Congress appointed him as provincial president, he was not made Chief Minister. After the 2022 assembly elections, the Sidhu family disappeared from the political scene but has now reactivated for 2027.
Last month, Navjot Singh Sidhu and his wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, announced their intention to contest the elections again. Now, Navjot Kaur has set a condition for Congress to name Sidhu its Chief Minister candidate for 2027. Moreover, she mentioned a controversial 'Rs 500 crore suitcase,' raising questions about whether this complicates Sidhu's political path instead of easing it.
Sidhu's Wife Sets Conditions for Congress
Former Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Navjot Singh Sidhu's wife, Navjot Kaur, met with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday. Afterwards, speaking to journalists, she stated that if Congress declares Navjot Singh Sidhu as the Chief Minister candidate of Punjab, he would return to active politics.
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She added that at least five leaders within Punjab Congress aspire to be CM, thwarting Sidhu's opportunity to progress. Yet, if Congress provides a chance, he will re-enter politics; otherwise, he is content outside, earning well. Her comments have further fueled the factionalism within the party.
Kaur's Rs 500 Crore Suitcase Claim
Besides proposing Sidhu as the CM candidate, Navjot Kaur made serious accusations. She claimed they lack funds to 'pay their way' into power but could transform Punjab into a 'golden state.' We don't have a Rs 500 crore suitcase to secure a CM's chair. The one with such a suitcase becomes the Chief Minister.
Post Captain Amarinder Singh's removal as Chief Minister, internal conflicts led Sunil Jakhar to miss the opportunity. A former CM told him, 'Such accomplishments require Rs 350 crores, not good deeds.' Meanwhile, BJP leaders targeted Congress over Navjot Kaur Sidhu's remarks.
Congress Leaders Open Front Against Sidhu
Punjab Congress leaders have conveyed Navjot Kaur's statement to the party high command. State President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring mentioned that the high command has been informed and retains jurisdiction. He dismissed Navjot Kaur's allegations, affirming no money exchanged hands.
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Navjot Kaur's remarks come amid unfolding electoral strategies in Punjab. Just last month, Sidhu met Priyanka Gandhi in Delhi, spurring speculation of his political revival. Navjot Kaur Sidhu announced her candidacy in October from Amritsar East.
Hopes were that the Sidhu family would regain activity, but following her statement, Congress leaders openly voiced against them, complicating their political future. Senior Congress figures express displeasure over Navjot Kaur's recent comments, deepening concerns. After 2022's Sidhu-Channi power struggle, Congress fears her remarks might further tarnish its prospects.
Obstacles in Sidhu's Path?
Following his transition from BJP to Congress, Sidhu initially clashed with Captain Amarinder Singh. When Congress ousted Captain Singh in 2021, Sidhu, as provincial president, seemed positioned for Chief Ministership but was bypassed for Charanjit Singh Channi, who served for 111 days.
During the 2022 assembly elections, Sidhu and Channi vied intensely for the CM face. Sidhu, asserting his popularity, famously said at a rally with Rahul Gandhi, 'Don't make me a mere showhorse.' Yet, Congress presented Channi as their CM candidate and won only 18 seats, with Sidhu losing his own, leading to his political retreat. The Sidhu family also skipped the 2024 Lok Sabha and municipal elections.
Could Congress's Comeback be Jeopardized?
Congress eyes a 2027 Punjab revival, but internal factions risk opposition status continuation for another five years. The Aam Aadmi Party formed the government in 2022, yet Congress laid solid ground, winning 7 of 13 seats in 2024.
The Akali Dal's influence has waned, with Sukhbir Badal unable to maintain post-Prakash Singh Badal impact. Despite BJP's exertions, it struggles to establish a political foothold in Punjab. Thus, Congress possesses a prime chance for resurrection, though internal divides threaten that prospect.
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State President Raja Warring, former CM Charanjit Singh Channi, Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa, and ex-President Navjot Singh Sidhu split Congress into three factions, with many aligned with the high command, including Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. From 2017 to 2022, there were only Amarinder and Navjot factions, but now multiple exist.
Neither Pratap Singh Bajwa nor Raja Warring maintains favorable relations with Sidhu. Both Bajwa and Warring are unlikely to accept Sidhu as a CM candidate. Consequently, Congress finds itself embroiled in internal factionalism ahead of 2027, leaving party leadership stumped for solutions.
