Chandigarh: A political firestorm has erupted in Punjab after Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu dropped a bombshell, alleging that a “suitcase of ₹500 crore” is required to secure the Chief Minister’s chair in the Congress.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday to address Punjab’s deteriorating law and order, the former MLA’s explosive claim has plunged the Congress into chaos and ignited a fierce backlash from rivals.
Navjot Kaur, wife of former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, clarified that no one directly demanded money, but insisted the CM post goes to the highest bidder. She conditioned her husband’s return to active politics on being named the party’s CM face for the 2027 elections, lamenting that five rival leaders within the Congress are “hell-bent on defeating” the party. “We lack ₹500 crore, but we can transform Punjab into a golden state,” she asserted.
The BJP pounced on the remarks, with MP Sudhanshu Trivedi slamming the Congress for “deep-rooted corruption.” Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar claimed he was once told ₹350 crore was the price for the CM post during his Congress days. AAP’s Baltej Pannu questioned if Sidhu’s past roles were similarly “purchased,” demanding transparency.
The Congress dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” promising to issue a notice after analysing the statement.
As Punjab’s political landscape heats up, Navjot Kaur’s remarks have exposed fault lines within the Congress, raising questions about its leadership selection and moral compass ahead of the 2027 polls.