Navjot Sidhu's cryptic Instagram post sparks speculation over his return to Punjab politics
PTC Web Desk: With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections still two years away, senior Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu has signalled a possible return to active politics, setting off fresh speculation about his future role in the state’s political landscape.
Navjot Sidhu, who has largely remained away from frontline politics since his defeat in the 2022 Vidhan Sabha elections, shared a video on his Instagram account that many interpret as a warning to political rivals. In the video, Sidhu recites a couplet suggesting that those who thrive on conflict may be reduced to ashes if circumstances change, adding that the moment now is about stature, bold moves and bringing the game to an end.
The former Punjab Congress president posted the video on Thursday. Though he has not formally announced any political plans, the timing of the message has sparked discussions about a potential comeback as parties begin early positioning for the next Assembly polls.
After losing the Amritsar East seat in 2022, Sidhu stepped back from active political engagement and shifted focus to cricket commentary and television appearances. Despite keeping a low political profile, he has periodically made public appearances in Punjab, meeting party workers in cities such as Amritsar and Patiala, and holding discussions with senior Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Sidhu’s political journey in Punjab has been marked by frequent internal party confrontations. During the 2017–22 Congress government led by Captain Amarinder Singh, he served as a Cabinet minister but openly criticised the administration, leading to a reshuffle of his portfolio. His differences with the leadership eventually escalated into a full-blown revolt against Capt Amarinder Singh.
Ahead of the 2022 elections, the Congress replaced Capt Amarinder Singh with Charanjit Singh Channi as CM. While the move initially raised hopes of unity within the party, fresh tensions soon emerged as Sidhu publicly questioned several decisions taken by the Channi government, including key appointments and policy announcements.
Sidhu was reportedly unhappy after not being projected as the Congress’ chief ministerial face for the 2022 elections, despite holding the post of state party president at the time. Following his electoral defeat, he chose to distance himself from active politics but remained within the Congress fold.
Adding another dimension to the speculation, Sidhu’s wife, Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, has earlier stated that her husband would consider returning to active politics only if he is declared the party’s chief ministerial candidate. She has also made her own political moves, staking claim to the Amritsar East seat, though she was later suspended from the Congress over her public statements and is currently believed to be exploring closer ties with the BJP.
As Punjab’s political temperature slowly begins to rise ahead of 2027, Sidhu’s cryptic message has once again brought him back into the spotlight, leaving party observers watching closely for his next move.
- PTC NEWS
