Chandigarh — The political controversy triggered by former Punjab minister Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s remark alleging that the post of Chief Minister could be obtained for a price has refused to die down, with fresh exchanges intensifying the political heat in the state. After seeking security citing a threat to her life, Dr Sidhu has now drawn a sharp response from Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who questioned both the timing and intent of her statements.
Responding to Dr Sidhu’s demand for security, the Chief Minister said that public figures must exercise responsibility and caution while making serious allegations. He remarked that if someone feels their life is in danger, they should have thought carefully before making such statements. Taking a swipe at political leaders who issue controversial remarks and then approach the government seeking protection, Mann said that making irresponsible comments and later claiming threat perceptions has become a pattern for some politicians.
The Chief Minister further targeted Dr Sidhu by suggesting that her statement had effectively exposed internal politics within the Congress party. He said the comments had given the impression that posts such as Chief Minister, ministerial positions and even departments in the Congress were being discussed in monetary terms, as if prices were being fixed in a marketplace. Mann added that such claims reflect poorly on the opposition party and raise serious questions about its internal functioning.
The issue has continued to generate strong reactions across the political spectrum. Earlier, former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had also criticized Dr Sidhu’s remarks, calling them misleading and politically motivated. Chief Minister Mann too had earlier taken strong exception to the statement, describing it as an attempt to create unnecessary controversy.
In response, Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu has hit back at both the government and opposition leaders, asserting that she is being targeted for speaking the truth. She has claimed that her statements have unsettled powerful interests and that she is facing backlash for raising uncomfortable questions.
Taking to social media, Dr Sidhu directly addressed Chief Minister Mann, stating that she now feels the need for security and that ensuring her safety is the responsibility of the state government. She also questioned why the issues she had raised before the Punjab Governor had not received any response from the government. In her posts, she accused the state administration of shielding the liquor and mining mafia, allegations that have further escalated the political confrontation.
Dr Sidhu also renewed her attack on former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, alleging that during his tenure several important development projects were stalled. She claimed that key files related to major projects and sensitive matters were deliberately held back, harming Punjab’s development. According to her, there are numerous unanswered questions that cannot be contained even in multiple public statements.
The ongoing exchange has ensured that the controversy remains firmly in the public spotlight, with political temperatures rising in Punjab. With leaders trading sharp words and allegations, the issue is increasingly shaping into a larger political flashpoint, drawing attention to governance, accountability and internal party dynamics in the state.
