Chandigarh, Dec 8 — Dr. Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s explosive claim that becoming Punjab’s Chief Minister requires “Rs 500 crore” has set off a political storm within the state Congress, prompting senior leaders to accuse her of undermining the party at a sensitive time.
Her comments came as the Congress was preparing for Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, with leaders describing her allegations as politically damaging. “The BJP and AAP immediately began using her words against us,” a Congress functionary said.
Dr. Sidhu, who previously served as an MLA, also alleged that five Congress leaders with chief ministerial ambitions were weakening the party. She added that her husband, Navjot Singh Sidhu, would re-enter active politics only if the Congress projected him as its CM face.
The remarks triggered internal backlash, with calls from senior leaders to expel the couple. Party managers argued that her statements had deepened perceptions of factionalism and hurt the organisation’s image.
On Saturday, Dr. Sidhu met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to raise concerns over the state’s law and order situation. Speaking to reporters afterward, she reiterated that infighting existed within the Congress but claimed her earlier comments were misinterpreted.
“A twist was given to my straight comment,” she said. Yet, during a TV interview earlier in the day, she alleged that a Tarn Taran candidate had paid money to the state leadership — a claim that further escalated tensions.
Her suspension from the primary membership followed as an immediate disciplinary step, marking one of the sharpest actions taken by the Punjab Congress in recent months.
