Navjot Kaur Sidhu Labels Punjab Congress Chief as "Corrupt" Following Her Suspension

She was placed under suspension by PPCC chief Raja Warring.

Chandigarh:

Following her suspension from the party's primary membership by Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Navjot Kaur Sidhu responded by describing him as "insensitive, irresponsible, morally dishonest and corrupt" on Monday.

Taking to social media platform X, Kaur stated, "I refuse to stand with an insensitive and irresponsible, morally dishonest and corrupt president. I stand up for all my brothers and sisters who have been hurt by his incompetence and irresponsible behaviour. I refuse to accept him as President. I wonder why the Chief Minister is shielding him."

The suspension came after Kaur, who is married to Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, made the controversial "Rs 500 crore CM" remark that sparked significant political backlash.

During her statement, she claimed that "it costs Rs 500 crore to become Punjab CM" while asserting that her husband would only return to active politics if the Congress declared him as their Chief Ministerial candidate.

Raja Warring, the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief, subsequently placed her under suspension from the party.

While meeting with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday, Kaur told reporters that they "speak only for Punjab" but lack the financial resources that allegedly influence top political appointments.

"We do not have Rs 500 crore to give to sit in the Chief Minister's chair," she remarked, clarifying that while no one had directly demanded money from them, "the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the CM."

Responding to the former Punjab MLA's allegations, Congress leader Sukhjinder Randhawa commented, "When she joined Congress from the BJP, she was later promoted to minister. First, she mentioned how much money was given to become the number two minister, next in line after the Chief Minister. After that, she was made PCC President, and again, how much money was given."

State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema seized the opportunity to attack both Congress and BJP leadership, challenging them to respond to the serious corruption allegations made by Navjot Kaur and Sunil Jakhar, respectively.

Addressing the media, Cheema declared: "I challenge the high command of the Congress and the high command of the BJP: Why are you silent? Are you silent because you are complicit in this corruption? I challenge the Congress and the BJP high commands to answer within 24 hours."

Minister Cheema questioned why both party high commands remained silent regarding leaders who have switched allegiances while their past statements expose deep-rooted corruption.

He pointed out that the current Punjab BJP President, who previously served as Punjab Congress President, was in office during the tenures of two Chief Ministers – Amarinder Singh (who allegedly became CM for Rs 500 crore according to Navjot Kaur) and Charanjit Singh Channi (who allegedly became CM following a Rs 350 crore deal, as claimed by Sunil Jakhar).

Cheema further questioned why Jakhar remained silent about the alleged selling of ministerial posts and assembly seats while he was in Congress, only speaking up after joining the BJP.

He also referenced the case involving Channi's relative, from whom nearly Rs 10 crore was reportedly recovered, noting that the matter remains sub-judice.