Congress suspends Navjot Sidhu's wife over '500-crore for CM face' remarks

The Punjab Congress on Monday suspended Navjot Kaur Sidhu from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect, following controversial remarks she made about the selection of the Chief Ministerial face. Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh ordered the suspension in an official statement. This decisive action comes after Sidhu sparked a major controversy with her claims about the party's internal workings.

On Saturday, Navjot Kaur Sidhu claimed that any individual aspiring to become the Congress party's Chief Ministerial candidate in Punjab must be prepared to offer a huge sum, stating, "a suitcase of 500 crore" is required for the position. She emphasised that she and her husband, the former cricketer, did not possess such a massive amount of money to secure the Chief Minister's chair. While clarifying that nobody had directly demanded money from them, she reiterated that "the one who gives a suitcase of 500 crore, he becomes the CM."

In a further blow to the party, she hinted at the possibility of her husband switching political affiliation in the future. Navjot Kaur Sidhu stated they would support any party that grants her husband the power to "improve Punjab" and turn it into a "golden state." She affirmed that, although they lack the funds to support any party, they are confident in delivering results, adding pressure on the Congress leadership following her serious allegations.