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Why is Navjot Singh Sidhu’s political comeback being linked to Congress naming him as the chief ministerial face for Punjab and how could internal rivalries, financial allegations and shifting loyalties shape the road to the 2027 polls?
Kaur claims multiple leaders are blocking Sidhu’s rise.
Chandigarh: The political landscape in Punjab has begun heating up with fourteen months remaining for the next assembly elections and speculation growing over whether former cricketer and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu will step back into active politics. His wife and former MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu has now said that Sidhu will re enter political life only if the Congress projects him as its chief ministerial candidate.
After meeting Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to raise concerns over what she described as declining law and order in the state, Kaur spoke openly about Sidhu’s political intentions. She insisted that her husband remains emotionally connected to the Congress and continues to hold deep regard for senior party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Yet she framed his comeback as conditional, stating that Sidhu would only take the plunge if the party’s high command elevates him as its face for the next assembly polls.
Navjot Kaur Sidhu argued that the Congress in Punjab is struggling with internal competition. According to her, at least five senior leaders in the state have their sights set on the top job which creates resistance to Sidhu’s return. She suggested that unless the national leadership steps in to clarify the leadership question, the internal pushback may continue to obstruct Sidhu’s political path.
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She also said they cannot engage in what she implied is a political culture of money driven leadership bids. Claiming that they do not possess the kind of massive funds allegedly required to secure the chief minister’s chair she remarked that only those who can offer large sums gain access to such positions. Kaur added that they would rather focus on their vision to transform Punjab into a prosperous and confident state rather than participate in financial power plays.
Navjot Singh Sidhu has kept a measured distance from Congress activities for months. He did not campaign during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and has largely shifted focus toward cricket and digital content. His return to commentary during the Indian Premier League again placed him back in public view but not in a political role.
Earlier this year, Sidhu launched his YouTube channel titled Navjot Sidhu Official where he shares reflections on cricket motivation lifestyle and personal experiences. When asked about political plans he maintained that time would reveal the way forward and reminded the public that he entered politics for public service rather than personal gain.
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Sidhu resigned as Punjab Congress chief after the party suffered a significant defeat in the 2022 assembly elections. He contested the Amritsar East seat during that election but lost to AAP candidate Jeevan Jyot Kaur. Before that Sidhu had won the same constituency in the 2017 assembly polls. His earlier political career included three consecutive terms as Member of Parliament from Amritsar and his wife represented the Amritsar East assembly seat from 2012 to 2017.
When asked whether Sidhu might return to the BJP if offered a significant role Navjot Kaur said she could not speak on his behalf. Her statement has kept speculation alive about Sidhu’s next move especially given his long existing silence and the shifting political currents in Punjab.
As the election cycle approaches the question of Sidhu’s return is likely to remain one of the major talking points within the state’s political arena.
