In a significant development that could reshape Punjab's political landscape, former cricketer and politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is reportedly considering a return to active politics. This potential comeback, however, comes with a major condition set by his camp.
The Key Condition for a Comeback
According to his wife, Dr. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, the former Punjab Congress chief is willing to end his current political hiatus only if the Indian National Congress party officially declares him as its chief ministerial face for the upcoming state assembly elections. This statement, made on December 7, 2025, throws open a new dynamic within the party's state unit as it prepares for the crucial 2027 polls.
Dr. Kaur, who is a former legislator herself, emphasized that her husband's return to the political forefront is directly linked to this leadership clarity. She stated that Sidhu possesses a clear vision for Punjab's future and believes he is the right person to lead the state. However, without the party's unequivocal backing in the form of the CM candidacy, he is likely to remain on the sidelines, focusing on other pursuits.
Context of Sidhu's Political Hiatus
Navjot Singh Sidhu's political journey has been marked by dramatic turns. A high-profile member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) initially, he switched to the Congress party ahead of the 2017 Punjab elections. After a stint as a cabinet minister, he ascended to the post of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president in 2021.
His tenure as state chief, however, was tumultuous and coincided with internal strife and the party's subsequent defeat in the 2022 assembly elections. Following this loss, Sidhu resigned from his post and has maintained a relatively low public profile, leading to widespread speculation about his political future. His absence has created a noticeable vacuum in the state's opposition politics.
Implications for the Congress Party in Punjab
This ultimatum from Sidhu's family places the Congress leadership in a delicate position. On one hand, Sidhu remains a popular figure with a dedicated support base, particularly in urban areas and among certain communities. Declaring him the CM face could energize the party cadre and provide a clear counter to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
On the other hand, the demand could exacerbate existing factionalism within the Punjab Congress. Several other senior leaders also harbor chief ministerial ambitions. Acceding to Sidhu's condition might lead to discontent and possible rebellion within other factions of the party.
The party's central leadership, including figures like Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, will now have to carefully navigate this demand. Their decision will signal the party's strategy for Punjab—whether to bet on a charismatic, if controversial, individual leader or to opt for a more collective leadership approach.
As the political chessboard in Punjab begins to take shape for 2027, all eyes are now on the Congress high command. The ball is firmly in their court to decide if Navjot Singh Sidhu will be their knight or remain a spectator in the high-stakes game of Punjab politics.
