 Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 7: A massive political storm has erupted in Punjab after former Congress MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu made a sensational claim that a staggering Rs 500 crore is needed to become the Congress party’s Chief Ministerial candidate in the state.
Speaking to the media, Navjot Kaur Sidhu — wife of senior Congress leader and former Punjab PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu — alleged that internal politics and financial powerplay overshadow merit within the party.
Without naming any senior leader, she remarked, “The one who brings a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the party’s Chief Minister in Punjab.”
The explosive statement has triggered shockwaves across political circles, drawing sharp reactions from opposition parties.
Navjot Kaur Sidhu further highlighted deepening factionalism within the Punjab Congress, revealing that at least five Chief Minister aspirants are “already working against the party from within.”
She claimed this internal sabotage is the core reason the Congress leadership is unlikely to assign any organisational role to Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Despite the turbulence, she asserted that Sidhu continues to remain emotionally connected to th Internal politics and financial powerplay overshadow merit within the Congress Party.
The one who brings a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the party’s Chief Minister in Punjab.
At least 5 Chief Minister aspirants are “already working against the party from within.”
This internal sabotage is the core reason the Congress leadership is unlikely to assign any organisational role to Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Navjot Kaur clarified that neither the Congress nor any party ever demanded money from them directly, but alleged that the selection process still favours the highest financial contributor.
“No party asked us for money, but the one who brings a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes CM,” she reiterated, hinting at systemic corruption in leadership choices.
Reacting sharply to the allegations, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar said the Congress follows “5–6 criteria” while choosing a Chief Minister.
Although Navjot Singh Sidhu meets those criteria, Jakhar claimed he was rejected in the “preliminary stage,” indicating a lack of trust from Congress high command.
The Congress is yet to issue an official response, but the remarks have intensified scrutiny of the party’s internal functioning ahead of the upcoming political season. | 