Former Congress MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu has launched a sharp critique of Rahul Gandhi, questioning his leadership and grip on ground realities in Punjab, shortly after leaving the party. Speaking to the media in Coimbatore, Sidhu claimed Gandhi’s actions and words are disconnected, alleging corruption in the Punjab Congress unit and warning of the party’s likely defeat in next year’s state elections.
Sidhu, wife of ex-cricketer and former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, said Gandhi has failed to engage with grassroots issues, leaving the party vulnerable. “You can talk well and make sense, but if what you do doesn’t match your words, it doesn’t count. That’s the case with Rahul Gandhi,” she said, drawing a comparison with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal integrity.
Highlighting her struggle to get Gandhi’s attention, Sidhu said she requested an eight-month-long meeting to expose what she called “injustice” by the Punjab Congress leadership. She claimed promises of a deputy chief minister post and parliamentary opportunities were broken. “If you are unaware of what’s happening beneath you, then I am sorry, you don’t deserve that chair,” she remarked.
Sidhu’s accusations extended to the party’s handling of corruption, stating that Gandhi tolerated dishonest elements while ignoring honest members trying to highlight problems. Her remarks came a week after Congress general secretary Bhupesh Baghel confirmed Sidhu’s expulsion from the party, following her public criticism of Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, whom she accused of demanding Rs 500 crore for the Chief Minister post if Congress wins the elections.
Sidhu’s comments underscore rising tensions within the Punjab Congress and highlight internal fissures ahead of the crucial state polls. Political analysts suggest her departure and outspoken critique could further weaken the party’s organizational coherence and electoral prospects in the region.
