Chandigarh: The political waters in Punjab have been roiled again as Navjot Kaur Sidhu — wife of former PCC president Navjot Singh Sidhu and a Congress leader herself — made a series of startling allegations against senior Congress leadership, claiming that key party offices, including the chief ministership, are up for sale.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the Governor, she claimed that “an attache (briefcase) full of ₹500 crore” is what it takes to clinch the post of Chief Minister in Punjab. “We do not have ₹500 crore to give to sit in the CM’s chair,” she said, stressing that although no one demanded money from her family, “the one who gives a suitcase of ₹500 crore becomes CM.”
Her remarks came amid mounting internal dissent within the Punjab Congress, which she said is fractured — with “already five CM faces roaming around, bent upon defeating the Congress.” She added that her husband would return to active politics only if the high command declared him the CM face. Otherwise, she suggested, he was at peace making a living elsewhere.
Beyond the “₹500-crore suitcase” claim, Navjot Kaur went further by alleging that before the recent Tarn Taran by-election, a councillor ticket had been sold for ₹5 crore. She accused top Congress leaders including Partap Singh Bajwa and Raja Warring of orchestrating the sale. According to her, the ticket was originally priced at ₹5 crore — but the final amount paid reportedly shot up to ₹11 crore. She added that she has call-recordings buttressing her charge and that several sitting councillors are willing to come forward and testify.
These claims have triggered fresh outrage within the Congress and beyond. Senior party MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa questioned the timing and motive behind the allegations. He asked if the Sidhus could clarify how much was paid and to whom when they were appointed PCC office-bearers — arguing that raising such accusations while having held high offices themselves smacks of hypocrisy. He also flagged the conspicuous timing: the party’s internal elections, candidate selection and broader election strategy remain unsettled.
Randhawa also accused the Sidhus of sowing discord within the party at a time when it can least afford it, given the upcoming Assembly elections and Aam Aadmi Party’s aggressive expansion. Many rank-and-file workers — already disillusioned — fear such public infighting could deal a blow to Congress’ prospects in Punjab.
The fallout has been immediate. Congress high command is said to have taken note of the allegations and is reportedly examining whether the claims warrant disciplinary action. Sources suggest that internal meetings could be convened soon to address the breach of party discipline.
On the other hand, opposition parties have wasted no time in responding. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have pounced on the controversy, labelling it proof of what they call “institutionalised corruption” inside Congress. They have demanded the party disclose who receives the purported bribes — and whether the funds are routed to Punjab’s high command or to individuals within the state unit.
As of now, the Congress has not released any formal rebuttal or explanation. But the issue has ignited a new wave of introspection — and anxiety — within the party. For Punjab’s political watchers, the question remains: can the Congress contain the damage from within, or has the Sidhus’ salvo opened a Pandora’s box of internal rebellion?
