Political circles in Amritsar are abuzz with speculation that suspended Congress functionary Navjot Kaur Sidhu, the wife of former Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu, is attempting a dramatic political homecoming to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sources within the saffron party suggest that behind-the-scenes efforts are underway for her potential return.
Allegations and Meetings Fuel Speculation
The talk gained serious momentum after Navjot Kaur launched a sharp attack against several Punjab Congress leaders. She made the explosive accusation that the party's leadership had demanded a staggering Rs 500 crore for the Chief Minister's post. This public outburst marked a significant rupture with her own party.
Further adding fuel to the fire were her high-profile meetings with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and prominent right-wing leader Pravin Togadia. In a move considered unusual for a Congress leader, she openly flaunted photographs from these meetings on her social media account on X. She later also praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
"In politics, such gestures are rarely accidental. They are signals—sometimes subtle, sometimes strategic—meant to be read by both allies and adversaries," commented an anonymous BJP functionary.
The Turning Point and a Closed Door
Her suspension from the Congress party over the controversial Rs 500-crore allegation was a definitive turning point. Although Kaur claimed at the time that senior Congress leaders supported her, the party leadership was not convinced. The door for reconciliation was firmly shut by Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who declared that her "chapter in Congress is over."
What has intensified the current speculation is her sudden silence. Known for being outspoken, Navjot Kaur has gone unusually quiet on social media. Sources allege this silence masks backdoor negotiations aimed at re-entering her "parent party"—the BJP. It was the BJP that first gave her a political platform, making her an MLA from Amritsar East in 2012 and later appointing her as chief parliamentary secretary.
Roadblocks to a Smooth Return
However, the path back to the BJP may not be smooth for the Sidhus. There is notable resistance within the party's local unit. Jagmohan Singh Raju, the BJP in-charge for the Amritsar East constituency, has formally written to the party's central leadership. He has cautioned against re-inducting Navjot Kaur, citing potential disruptions to local leadership balance and organisational stability.
Publicly, both Navjot Kaur and her husband Navjot Singh Sidhu have remained silent on whether they intend to shift allegiance to the BJP. When she levelled the Rs 500-crore allegations, Navjot Kaur had stated that her husband was still emotionally attached to the Congress and shared a deep bond with senior leader Priyanka Gandhi. This contrast between past statements and current actions keeps the political drama alive and uncertain.
