Congress Suspends Navjot Kaur Sidhu Over Rs 500 Crore Suitcase Comment: Political Fallout in Punjab

Chandigarh:

Congress has suspended Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, following her controversial remark about a "suitcase of Rs 500 crore." Her subsequent clarification on social media failed to placate the displeased party leadership.

Navjot Kaur created significant controversy with her statement that "the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the Chief Minister." This remark embarrassed the Congress and provided substantial ammunition to both the BJP and the governing Aam Aadmi Party.

Earlier today, the former MLA posted on X: "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."

Navjot Kaur made the controversial comment on December 6 after meeting Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.

When questioned why Navjot Singh Sidhu wasn't returning to active politics, she responded that her husband would do so only if Congress officially named him the Chief Ministerial candidate for 2027. She then added that they lacked the Rs 500 crore to "buy" the position - a statement rival parties interpreted as evidence of money-driven politics within Congress.

Congress's Sukhjinder Randhawa criticized the Sidhus for engaging in "anti-party" activities.

AAP questioned whether the "Rs 500 crore suitcase" was meant for the high command or Rahul Gandhi. BJP's Sunil Jakhar and Tarun Chugh called it evidence of Congress's "institutionalised corruption".