The wife of Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu has alleged that only those who pay massive sums can become Chief Minister, drawing sharp rebukes from rival parties and deepening internal rifts.
Navjot Kaur Sidhu just dropped a bombshell on Punjab politics. The former MLA and wife of cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu claims that anyone who wants to become Chief Minister in Punjab needs to show up with “a suitcase full of Rs 500 crore.” Her explosive remarks, made after meeting with the state governor, have given opposition parties exactly the kind of ammunition they’ve been looking for, painting a picture of deep corruption within the Congress.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Mrs Sidhu said her husband would only get back into active politics if Congress leadership officially named him their CM candidate. But she doesn’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon, pointing to “infighting” and the corrupting influence of money.
“We do not have Rs 500 crore to give to anyone… but the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the CM,” she said. She didn’t name names, but she did claim there are already “five CM faces” within Punjab Congress who are “busy making the party lose.”
The reaction was swift and brutal. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) immediately called for an investigation. Spokesperson Baltej Pannu asked the obvious questions: “Who pays this amount? Where does this money go? To the high command?”
Realizing the firestorm she’d started, Mrs Sidhu tried to walk it back. “I am shocked to see the twist given to a straight comment… I stated that we have no money to offer for a CM post,” she posted on X, attempting damage control after the initial uproar.
But it was too late. BJP leader Tarun Chugh pounced, saying the remarks exposed a “complete moral collapse” and an “auction system” for leadership within the grand old party.
Navjot Singh Sidhu himself has been lying low politically for months now, mostly focusing on cricket commentary. His relationship with party leadership has been rocky ever since the 2022 elections, when Congress lost power to AAP. That defeat still stings.
What this whole mess really shows is how fractured Punjab Congress has become as it tries to gear up for future elections. And it’s handed the BJP and AAP, who’ve always accused Congress of corruption and “high command culture,” a gift they’ll keep unwrapping for months.
Mrs Sidhu’s attempted clarification might be too little, too late. The political damage is done. Congress leadership now faces serious pressure to address these “pay-to-play” allegations, while their opponents are already polishing that “Rs 500 crore” soundbite for campaign ads.
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