Punjab Congress on Monday suspended Navjot Kaur Sidhu, former MLA and wife of cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu, following her controversial remarks about the alleged cost of becoming Chief Minister. The announcement was made by Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring through a post on X, accompanied by the party’s official suspension letter.

The suspension comes in the wake of remarks made by Navjot Kaur on Saturday, in which she alleged that “one who gives a suitcase of ₹500 crore becomes the Chief Minister.” The comment sparked immediate political backlash, with opposition parties such as the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticizing the Congress for alleged internal corruption and questioning its credibility ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

Seeking to clarify her statement, Navjot Kaur posted a detailed explanation on X on Monday. She asserted that her comments had been misinterpreted and emphasized that the Congress had never demanded money from her or her husband. She wrote: “I am shocked to see the twist given to a straight comment, saying that our Congress party has never demanded anything from us. On being asked about Navjot becoming a CM face from any other party, I stated that we have no money to offer for a CM post. Listen carefully.”

Navjot Kaur had earlier indicated that her husband, Navjot Singh Sidhu, would consider returning to active politics only if the Congress projected him as its Chief Ministerial face for the 2027 elections. She also pointed out that they did not possess the ₹500 crore reportedly required to “buy” the post, leading to widespread media coverage and political debate.

The controversy intensified over the weekend, with AAP leaders questioning whether the alleged “₹500-crore suitcase” was meant for the Congress high command or specifically for Rahul Gandhi. BJP leaders described her statement as a “confession,” alleging that it revealed systemic corruption within the party.

The suspension of Navjot Kaur Sidhu underscores the sensitivity of political discourse in Punjab ahead of the upcoming elections and highlights the internal challenges facing the Congress as it navigates leadership questions and public perception. The party’s swift action reflects its attempt to contain the controversy and prevent further reputational damage.