A fresh political storm has erupted in the Punjab Congress, with Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa issuing a legal notice to former MLA and Congress leader Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu. The notice demands that she retract her accusations and tender an unconditional apology within seven days. Randhawa has made it clear that failure to do so will pave the way for a full-fledged court battle, setting the stage for a high-voltage legal clash inside the party.
Sidhu was suspended from Punjab Congress membership on Monday by Punjab Congress Chief Raja Warring.
The confrontation stems from Navjot Kaur’s recent public statements, where she alleged that Randhawa had connections with gangsters, sold party tickets for hefty sums in Rajasthan, and played a role in weakening the Congress from within. These allegations, made at a time when the party is already struggling to manage internal dissent, jolted the leadership and ignited tension among senior ranks.
Randhawa, known for his firm political stance and long organisational background in Punjab, has categorically denied the charges. Through his notice, he has stated that the allegations are defamatory and aimed at tarnishing his public image. He has demanded a complete withdrawal of the remarks and a written apology. His camp has indicated that they have gathered evidence and legal backing to challenge Navjot Kaur’s claims in court if needed.
Navjot Kaur, who has been increasingly vocal against her own party leaders, has already created upheaval with another controversial statement in which she claimed that the post of chief minister goes to whoever provides a suitcase containing 500 crore rupees. This remark triggered shock waves from Chandigarh to the Congress high command in Delhi, prompting discussions on disciplinary action and raising questions about leadership control.
Her statements have not only embarrassed the party leadership but have also deepened the divide among factions in Punjab Congress. With the 2027 assembly elections on the horizon, leaders fear that such internal mudslinging could damage the party’s prospects and further weaken its organisational base.
The escalating feud between Randhawa and Navjot Kaur now threatens to spill from political rallies and media interactions into a courtroom. Party insiders admit that if this issue is not contained, it could become a severe setback at a time when the Congress is attempting to regroup and counter the narrative of its rivals in Punjab.
With both sides refusing to back down, Punjab Congress finds itself entangled in yet another controversy, setting the scene for a prolonged legal and political showdown that could shape the party’s future battles.
