Navjot Singh Sidhu has long been a larger-than-life figure—cricketer, commentator, entertainer, politician, and now a recurring face on television through comedy shows. Yet, for all the visibility he enjoys in public life, his political presence in Punjab and the Congress has been conspicuously absent for nearly three years. That dormant chapter suddenly stirred to life over the past weekend, only to collapse just as quickly into controversy. The spark came from within his own home: a statement from his wife, Dr. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, that triggered outrage, political attacks, internal party discomfort, and ultimately her suspension from the Congress on Monday evening.

The unexpected storm traces back to a single remark. While speaking to local media, Navjot Kaur was asked whether her husband would return to active politics and whether the Congress might project him as its chief ministerial face for the 2027 Punjab assembly election. Her response was frank, direct, and explosive. She doubted such a projection would happen, claiming intense internal competition within the state Congress unit, with “five or six” senior leaders lobbying for the top job. Then came the line that changed everything: “We do not have the ₹500 crore required to get the CM chair.” Though she clarified instantly that no one had personally demanded money from them and that the amount referred to the political reality of other parties too, the comment took on a life of its own.

Before the controversy erupted, Sidhu’s potential political re-entry had already begun generating whispers. Two months ago, Sidhu posted a photo with Priyanka Gandhi on social media, describing her as his “mentor, lighthouse and guiding angel”. He expressed deep gratitude toward her and Rahul Gandhi, often referred to collectively by the Sidhu couple as their long-standing supporters. The photo fueled speculation that Sidhu might be inching toward a comeback in Punjab politics, perhaps even with the blessing of the central leadership. Saturday’s interview with Navjot Kaur only amplified those whispers into full-blown conversation.

But her blunt remark about the alleged “₹500 crore” needed for a chief ministerial candidature shifted the conversation from Sidhu’s possible return to the murky world of political funding and internal power struggles. As soon as the clip circulated on Facebook and in Punjab media circles, the row intensified. By Sunday, the Aam Aadmi Party called it an “explosive revelation”, accusing her of alleging that the Congress required payment to project someone as its CM face. The Bharatiya Janata Party joined the fray, with national spokespersons asserting that she had “implicated Rahul Gandhi” and that the comments reflected deeper dysfunction within the Congress.

Inside the Congress, too, the reaction was far from sympathetic. Several leaders bristled at the insinuation that leadership roles could be bought. Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa sharply questioned the Sidhus’ motives, hinting that the couple was attempting to pressure the party by manufacturing controversy. The remarks clearly unsettled the state leadership, particularly Punjab Congress chief Raja Warring, who has worked closely with the central leadership and is seen as a loyalist of the Gandhis. The Sidhus have, in recent months, hinted at their lack of confidence in Warring’s leadership, suggesting he lacked seniority and experience—statements that had already irked some party workers.

Amid rising criticism, Navjot Kaur attempted to neutralise the controversy on Monday morning. She issued a detailed clarification on social media, insisting her statement had been distorted. “I am shocked to see the twist given to a straight comment,” she wrote. “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.” She urged listeners to “listen carefully”, emphasising that she was referring broadly to the political environment, not specifically accusing Congress leaders.

Despite the clarification, the damage had already been done. By Monday evening, Raja Warring announced her suspension from the party, citing indiscipline and damage to the party’s public image. The swift action demonstrated the Congress leadership’s determination to avoid internal dissent spilling over—especially when Punjab is only fourteen months away from its next assembly election.

This episode has reopened long-standing questions about Sidhu’s standing within the Congress. The former Punjab Congress chief, who played a central role in the revolt that led to Captain Amarinder Singh’s resignation in 2021, has had a complicated relationship with the organisation ever since. Back then, he was seen as a strong contender for the chief ministerial position, though the party eventually chose Charanjit Singh Channi. The 2022 election turned into a disaster for the Congress, with AAP sweeping the state and Sidhu losing his own seat. Simultaneously, Sidhu also served almost a year in jail after being convicted in an old road-rage case—another factor that distanced him from active politics.

Several leaders left the Congress during this turbulent period. Sunil Jakhar, once a senior state leader and a favourite for the CM post in 2021, exited the party, citing frustrations with its decision-making. He is now Punjab BJP president, attempting to rebuild the party’s relevance in a state where it has historically struggled. Amarinder Singh, too, joined the BJP, though he has awaited a major role. Against this backdrop, Sidhu remained largely on the sidelines, resurfacing occasionally on social media but staying away from internal party matters.

Since his release from jail, Sidhu has cautiously stepped back into public life but not into politics. He returned to television as the iconic “guru” on The Kapil Sharma Show, revived his presence on commentary platforms, and has been frequently seen in lighter, lifestyle-oriented social media content. While this kept him in the public eye, it also fueled speculation that he was deliberately distancing himself from political turbulence—especially the infighting within Punjab Congress.

Navjot Kaur’s comment, however, forced the political spotlight back onto him. If the statement was intended to test the waters for his return, it appears to have backfired. With his wife suspended, Sidhu himself has remained uncharacteristically silent. For a man known for flamboyant speeches, unfiltered opinions, and theatrical public commentary, his quietness is notable but consistent with his pattern: he often stays silent during politically sensitive phases, stepping forward only when he senses firm ground.

The larger question now is: what comes next for Sidhu? Will he distance himself from his wife’s statement and reaffirm loyalty to the Congress? Or will this controversy push him to explore opportunities outside the party, especially since Navjot Kaur had said he was “open” to joining another party if it gave him the “power” to improve Punjab? With elections approaching in early 2027, every major party in Punjab—Congress, AAP, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal—is assessing potential shifts in leadership and alliances.

Sidhu’s future will depend on how he navigates the next few weeks. The Congress will watch closely to see whether he chooses confrontation, reconciliation, or silence. Other parties may weigh whether his popularity, charisma, and unpredictability are assets worth courting. For now, the storm created by a single remark has placed him back at the center of Punjab’s political conversation—whether he intended it or not.