Chandigarh: Former Punjab MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, has been expelled from the Indian National Congress on disciplinary grounds, senior party leaders confirmed. The action follows her recent public criticism of the party leadership and a series of controversial remarks that had already led to her suspension.
The announcement was made by Congress Punjab affairs in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, who said the party had moved from suspension to formal expulsion after reviewing her conduct and statements. The development comes days after Navjot Kaur Sidhu publicly announced her resignation from the party and accused the leadership of being disconnected from ground realities.
Party leadership confirms expulsion
Speaking to reporters during his Punjab visit, Bhupesh Baghel said the party had taken disciplinary action after due consideration. He was accompanied by Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring at the time of the statement.
Baghel said Navjot Kaur Sidhu had earlier been placed under suspension and that the party has now formally expelled her. He stressed that adherence to the party line is non-negotiable and indiscipline would not be tolerated.
According to party leaders, her repeated public remarks against senior leadership and controversial allegations had damaged organisational discipline and image, prompting the final action.
Baghel added that he is currently touring Punjab to mobilise support for MGNREGA workers and party cadres and addressed gatherings in multiple locations, including Jandiala Guru near Amritsar.
Social media attack on Rahul Gandhi
Shortly after news of her expulsion became public, Navjot Kaur Sidhu reacted strongly on social media, launching a direct attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. In a post on X, she used a derogatory nickname for him and questioned his leadership and awareness of political realities on the ground.
In her message, she alleged that Rahul Gandhi is surrounded by an inner circle that keeps him insulated while enjoying privileges. She further accused several party leaders of corruption and self-interest, claiming many were focused on “filling their pockets” because they did not expect to return to power.
She also challenged party members to speak openly against the present Punjab government and alleged that many were afraid their records would be exposed if they did so. Her remarks have triggered sharp reactions within party circles, with leaders terming them irresponsible and damaging.
Background: Suspension and controversy
Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s relationship with the Congress had been strained for several months. The rift became public on December 8 last year when she made a controversial remark suggesting that a “suitcase of ₹500 crore” was required to become Punjab’s Chief Minister.
The statement created a political storm and led to disciplinary proceedings within the party. She was subsequently suspended.
Five days before her expulsion, she announced her resignation from the Congress, accusing the leadership of being unaware of grassroots realities and failing to understand Punjab’s needs. Despite her resignation claim, the party proceeded with formal expulsion on disciplinary grounds.
Comments linked to Navjot Singh Sidhu’s role
Navjot Kaur Sidhu had also recently stirred debate by stating that her husband, former Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu, would return to active politics only if the Congress declared him its chief ministerial face in Punjab.
After a meeting with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, she had remarked that while leaders speak about Punjab and Punjabiyat, they did not have “₹500 crore to sit in the chief minister’s chair,” reiterating her earlier corruption-linked allegation.
Her statements were viewed by party insiders as putting additional pressure on the Congress leadership and creating avoidable controversy ahead of organisational planning in the state.
Political journey and BJP speculation
Navjot Kaur Sidhu is a former BJP MLA from Amritsar (East) and had joined the Congress along with Navjot Singh Sidhu ahead of the 2017 Punjab Assembly elections. She later became associated with Congress campaigns and state-level political activities.
In recent weeks, her social media posts — including one welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Punjab — have fuelled speculation about a possible return to the BJP. However, there has been no official confirmation from her or the BJP regarding any such move.
Political observers say her expulsion from Congress may accelerate realignments, especially given Navjot Singh Sidhu’s uncertain organisational role in the party at present.
Conclusion
Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s expulsion marks the culmination of a prolonged conflict between her and the Congress leadership, driven by controversial remarks and open criticism of senior leaders. With sharp public statements and shifting political signals, her next move will be closely watched in Punjab’s evolving political landscape.