Navjot Singh Sidhu is currently adding humor to India's leading comedy talk show, but his political actions are taking a more serious direction with just a year remaining before the assembly election in Punjab, his home state. The Congress party has officially expelled his wife, Dr. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, after a phase of significant tension with the party's leadership.
Initially, her conflict appeared to be primarily with the state unit president, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.
At the time of her abrupt exit, Navjot Kaur used a well-known taunt against the party's chief national figure, Rahul Gandhi, referring to him as 'pappu'—a term primarily used by the BJP to suggest a lack of intelligence.
This occurred merely weeks following the moment when her husband, Navjot Singh Sidhu, and she praised Rahul and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as 'mentors' and 'guiding angels'.
Chief Minister's assertion of a '₹500 crore'
Navjot Kaur mentioned that her husband, who has largely been inactive in party affairs for the past two years, would return to state politics only if the Congress presents him as their chief ministerial candidate.
She asserted that in Punjab, only individuals with ₹500 crore can secure the Chief Minister's position. 'We consistently advocate for Punjab and its culture... but we lack ₹500 crore to offer for the Chief Minister's seat,' she remarked, speaking in Punjabi.
She later clarified that she was speaking broadly about political corruption and did not imply that the Congress's chief minister candidacy is available for purchase.
She has now claimed that party tickets are being sold and has dared Rahul to engage in a TV debate.
For the determined couple — with Navjot Kaur recently representing both — this coincides with the claims made by their previous party, the BJP, regarding the Congress and Rahul. However, are the former cricketer and doctor-turned-politicians planning to join the BJP? There is no immediate answer to this question, at least not officially from them or BJP leaders. Additionally, Punjab's ruling AAP is also part of this scenario.
Confrontation with Warring followed by a heated exchange with Rahul
On Friday, Bhupesh Baghel, who is responsible for Congress's affairs in Punjab, officially declared the expulsion of Dr. Navjot Kaur Sidhu. Although she had been suspended and had announced her resignation from the party's primary membership about a week ago, the party decided to formalize her departure due to her recent behavior and remarks.
The expulsion was announced at a press conference held at the home of former MLA Rajkumar Verka, with Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) leader Raja Warring present alongside Baghel.
Navjot Singh Sidhu is still, at least in a technical sense, affiliated with the Congress party.
Navjot Kaur has initiated a fierce, multi-post attack on X, specifically aiming at Rahul Gandhi, and challenged his leadership and maturity. She claimed Rahul is "out of touch with ground realities" and ensnared in a "self-made utopia". Additionally, she accused a group around Rahul Gandhi of "selling tickets" and isolating the leadership "from the truth".
She posted that he takes over six months to respond to an emergency call, during which time losses are unavoidable, and advised the party leadership to be 'more aware, mature, and pragmatic'.
She subsequently dared Rahul Gandhi to engage in a televised debate with her regarding the party's activities in Punjab.
Complete reversal regarding the Gandhis?
Her outburst signifies a complete reversal for the Sidhus.
Just a few months back, Navjot Singh Sidhu posted a picture with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, expressing heartfelt thanks to her and 'brother' Rahul Gandhi for their support during challenging times. This perceived closeness to the Gandhis was a key aspect of the Sidhus' political identity within the Congress, which he frequently leveraged to sidestep state leaders like Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh.
Sidhu joined the Congress after considering the creation of his own political group or possibly joining the AAP, following his departure from the BJP before the 2017 Punjab elections. He had been a multi-term Member of Parliament with the BJP, and his wife was a Member of the Legislative Assembly who also held the position of Chief Parliamentary Secretary in an Akali-BJP government, which is similar to a junior minister role. However, the court later deemed the CPS position unconstitutional.
Sidhu was a leading campaigner for Modi and a notable Sikh representative for the party focused on Hindutva, but he departed from the BJP, claiming that the party intended to marginalize him in Punjab under the influence of its larger ally, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
The couple's tenure with the Congress was briefer than with the BJP, yet significantly more eventful. Following the Congress victory in 2017, the ex-Team India opener was appointed as a minister in Amarinder Singh's administration.
Before the upcoming election, he played a key role in orchestrating a rebellion and was considered a potential successor to Amarinder. However, the party opted for Charanjit Singh Channi instead, leading to a significant defeat for both Sidhu and the party.
In 2022, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to power decisively. Sidhu stepped down from his role as the Punjab Congress chief. Subsequently, Sidhu faced repercussions from his past, as he was sentenced to nearly a year in prison for an assault during his youth as a cricketer in Patiala, which resulted in a man's death. Additionally, Navjot Kaur faced personal difficulties due to her battle with cancer.
He made a comeback as a 'guru' on Kapil Sharma's comedy show, but did not resume his lively political career.
The Congress is currently headed by the comparatively youthful Raja Warring. Among the party leaders who persistently undermined him is Sidhu's wife. In her departure remarks, Navjot Kaur described Warring as the 'most dreadful, inept, and corrupt president ever.'
Warring, a prominent supporter of Team Rahul, responded in kind by stating that Navjot Kaur "requires psychological help," pointing out that her "resignation" was irrelevant since she had already been suspended following her comment about the "₹500 crore for CM post."
Following the controversy caused by his wife's '₹500 crore' comment, Navjot Singh Sidhu was reportedly unable to secure a meeting with Priyanka Gandhi, although neither party has confirmed this occurrence.
A complete shift to BJP, or a different direction?
Looking ahead, there are evident signs of the Sidhus' possible path. Navjot Kaur has frequently praised Prime Minister Modi in recent times. Representing both herself and her husband, she mentioned that the BJP 'recognized my talents'.
In her posts on X, she mentioned the Prime Minister’s Office and Amit Shah. On the day she declared her departure from the Congress, she extended a warm welcome to Modi in Punjab, encouraging the public to greet him with "loving hearts".
The Prime Minister also concentrated on Punjab during his visit to Dera Sachkhand in Ballan near Jalandhar, recognized as the main sect for the Ravidassia community of Dalits. Additionally, Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Punjab this month to address issues concerning farmers, a group largely comprised of Jat Sikhs.
However, the party still lacks a prominent Sikh representative for the state where Sikhs are the majority.
Amarinder Singh, 83, who was once a rival of Sidhu in the Congress, is now with the BJP but is mostly retired, frequently expressing regret over not being consulted.
Sunil Jakhar, recognized as a significant Hindu figure, departed from the Congress amid the 2022 turmoil, allegedly upset over not being appointed as Chief Minister in place of Channi. Currently, he serves as the Punjab BJP leader, aiming to establish the party's presence in the state following the dissolution of its alliance with the Akali Dal due to the farm laws that were later repealed in 2020-21.
There is ongoing speculation that the BJP and SAD might reunite, potentially creating challenges for Sidhu, who has previously been highly critical of SAD leaders Sukhbir Singh Badal and Bikram Singh Majithia.
Statements from BJP's Chugh and AAP's Arora
However, would the BJP accept the Sidhus if they are open to joining?
Tarun Chugh, the national general secretary of the party hailing from Punjab, was questioned about this issue. He stated, 'The decision of who leaves which party is a personal matter. However, the accusations made by Navjot Kaur expose the internal corruption within the Congress,' adding, 'She has also disclosed that the Congress and AAP are collaborating in Punjab.' When asked about the Sidhus, he remarked, 'Currently, their interests seem to be with Raja Warring, Bhagwant Mann, and Arvind Kejriwal,' dismissing the idea with a laugh. 'There hasn't been any application from them yet!'
The AAP leadership in the state swiftly acted to dispel rumors about the Sidhus joining their party. Punjab unit leader Aman Arora informed the press, "Navjot Singh Sidhu is like a 'migratory bird' focused solely on his political survival. AAP is a party committed to disciplined members and principled governance; it has no place for individuals who value celebrity-driven theatrics over the well-being of ordinary people."
Navjot Kaur stated that no political party has contacted her. She mentioned that she can contribute to Punjab's welfare through an NGO, as that is her primary desire.