Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has stated that her husband, former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, will only return to active politics if the party officially declares him as its chief ministerial face for the upcoming assembly elections in 2027.
Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who met with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday to discuss issues including the state’s law and order, was candid about the conditions for the cricketer-turned-politician’s return from his recent hiatus, during which he has focused on commentary and his YouTube channel.
Infighting and ‘Suitcase’ Allegations
While affirming her husband’s strong attachment to the Congress and party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Navjot Kaur Sidhu expressed deep concern over the internal dynamics of the Punjab unit.
“But with so much infighting, I do not feel that they will let Navjot Sidhu be promoted, as there are already five CM faces, and they are hell-bent on defeating the Congress. If they (high command) understand this, then it is a different matter,” she said.
She also pointedly raised the issue of money in politics, alleging that the top post is often bought, contrasting it with their principles.
“We always speak for Punjab and Punjabiyat…but do not have Rs 500 crore, which we can give to sit in the chief minister’s chair,” she said. When pressed on whether anybody demanded money, she clarified, “Nobody has demanded it, but the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the CM.”
She asserted that the Sidhu family offers capability, not cash. “We do not have money to give it to any party, but we will give results, and we will turn Punjab into a golden state.”
Active Politics on Hold
Navjot Singh Sidhu has largely remained away from the party’s events for many months, notably not campaigning during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He has since returned to cricket commentary for the IPL 2024 season and launched his own YouTube channel.
When asked whether Sidhu would return to active politics if named the Congress CM face, his wife confirmed he would. “But otherwise, he is earning good money, and he is happy,” she added, suggesting that a lack of elevation would keep him focused on his non-political ventures.
Regarding the possibility of Sidhu rejoining his former party, the BJP, if they offered him the responsibility, she stated, “I cannot comment on his behalf.”
The statements by Navjot Kaur Sidhu put the onus squarely on the Congress high command to resolve the intense internal factionalism ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly polls.