Navjot Kaur Sidhu Clarifies Controversial Rs 500 Crore Remark Amid Political Backlash in Punjab

Chandigarh:

Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of former cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, has provided a comprehensive explanation on the social media platform X following her controversial statement about "a suitcase of Rs 500 crore" being required to become Chief Minister. The remark sparked significant political backlash from multiple parties including the BJP, Aam Aadmi Party, and even members of her own Congress party.

In her clarification post, the former MLA expressed shock at the interpretation of her comments, writing: "I am shocked to see the twist given to a straight comment saying that our Congress party has never demanded anything from us. On being asked about Navjot becoming a CM face from any other party, I stated that we have no money to offer for a CM post. Listen carefully."

The controversial statement was made on December 6 during a press interaction following her meeting with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.

When journalists questioned why her husband was not actively participating in politics, she responded that Navjot Singh Sidhu would return only if the Congress formally announced him as their Chief Ministerial candidate for the 2027 elections. She then added the contentious remark about lacking Rs 500 crore to "buy" the position - a statement widely interpreted as alleging financial corruption within Congress leadership structures.

The comment immediately drew fierce criticism. AAP representatives questioned whether such alleged payments would go to the Congress high command or directly to Rahul Gandhi.

BJP leaders Sunil Jakhar and Tarun Chugh characterized the statement as evidence of "institutionalised corruption" within the Congress party.

Even fellow Congress member Sukhjinder Randhawa criticized the Sidhu couple for engaging in what he termed "anti-party" activities.

Through her clarification, Navjot Kaur Sidhu attempted to reframe her statement, emphasizing that she merely meant neither she nor her husband would ever pay money to any political party for a leadership position. However, the political damage appears substantial, with opposition parties continuing to leverage the controversial remark as ammunition ahead of the important 2027 Punjab elections.