A significant internal development has emerged within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab, with a senior functionary raising strong objections against the potential re-entry of a former ally. Jagmohan Singh Raju, the BJP's in-charge for the Amritsar East constituency, has written a cautionary letter to the party's top leadership, specifically addressing Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Core Allegations in the Letter
In his communication, Raju has explicitly warned against any attempt by Navjot Kaur Sidhu, the suspended Congress functionary and wife of former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, to return to the BJP fold. The central accusation levelled by Raju is that Navjot Kaur has "falsely appropriated credit" for development projects in Amritsar East that were spearheaded by the BJP.
Raju emphasised that all developmental work in the constituency should be unequivocally attributed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. He argued that allowing individuals who have consistently criticised the Prime Minister to suddenly claim ownership of the party's achievements only serves to demoralise the cadre of loyal BJP workers who have toiled on the ground.
Background and Political Crossroads
The political history of the Sidhus adds layers to this controversy. Navjot Kaur Sidhu won the Amritsar East assembly seat in 2012 on a BJP ticket. However, in a notable shift, her husband, Navjot Singh Sidhu, contested and won from the same constituency in 2017, but this time on a Congress ticket. The 2022 assembly elections saw both Sidhu and Raju himself lose from their respective contests.
Recently, Navjot Kaur's political manoeuvres have sparked speculation. She held a meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Hindu leader Pravin Togadia. Furthermore, she has publicly praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah, actions perceived by many as signals for a possible political realignment.
Demand for Clear Attribution and Party Morale
In his letter, Raju expressed strong discontent with what he termed "habitual political turncoats." He criticised those who make a sport of abusing the leadership but conveniently remember the BJP only during public ceremonies like ribbon-cutting events for completed projects.
The BJP leader's core demand is clear: all development initiatives in Amritsar East must be unambiguously credited to PM Modi and the BJP. This, he believes, is crucial to maintaining the morale of the party's dedicated workforce and ensuring that the political narrative accurately reflects the source of governance and progress.
This internal communication highlights the ongoing tensions and strategic calculations within Punjab's political landscape, especially concerning high-profile figures and the critical attribution of developmental credit ahead of future electoral battles.
