Navjot Kaur Sidhu Expelled from Congress After Public Attack on Leadership

Navjot Kaur Sidhu has been formally expelled from the Indian National Congress days after she publicly announced that she had quit, deepening the crisis within the Punjab unit. The action was confirmed by AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel , who said she had earlier been suspended and has now been removed from the party’s primary membership. Her exit follows weeks of escalating confrontation with state leadership and controversial public remarks, including her allegation that massive money is required to secure the chief minister’s position, a statement that triggered disciplinary action.

Sidhu justified her departure by accusing Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring of damaging the organisation , calling him incapable and corrupt , and alleging that internal decisions were hurting the party’s grassroots base. She also launched an unusually direct attack on senior leader Rahul Gandhi , claiming the leadership is disconnected from ground realities and surrounded by self-interested aides. According to her, honest workers are sidelined while individuals focused on personal gain hold influence, a situation she says made it impossible for her to continue within the party.

Addressing speculation about her future, Sidhu has not confirmed joining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) , despite accusing Congress leaders of having an understanding with the ruling party in Punjab. She has also not formally announced a return to the Bharatiya Janata Party , where she began her political career and previously served in a health-related administrative role. Instead, she has indicated that her focus will remain on Punjab’s welfare , possibly through public service initiatives or work outside traditional party politics, stressing that her “time and energy” are for people rather than organisational battles.

The episode highlights deep factionalism , weakening internal discipline and exposing leadership strains in Punjab Congress at a politically sensitive time. With public criticism now reaching the national leadership level, the controversy risks further erosion of unity in a state where the party is already struggling to regain lost ground. How Sidhu positions herself next whether through social work, a political platform, or alignment with another party will shape the next phase of this unfolding political realignment.