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Chandigarh: Suspended Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has sought security cover from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, even as she launched a scathing attack on the AAP government, accusing it of facilitating the liquor and mining mafia. Navjot, who was suspended from the Congress following her controversial remark about “Rs 500 crore for the Chief Minister’s chair,” did not cite a specific threat but questioned the Chief Minister’s silence over issues she claims to have raised with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.

Security Demand, Allegations Against State Govt

In a post on X, Navjot said: “CM Bhagwant Mann ji, I think I need some security now, or else you will be responsible. Kindly answer why there is no response from your side on the issues I raised before the Honourable Governor of Punjab. Why are you facilitating the liquor and mining mafia?” In her recent representation to the Governor, Navjot had flagged multiple concerns, including alleged encroachments in the Shivalik Hills. Navjot Kaur is the wife of former Punjab Congress president and ex-cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu.

CM Mann’s Retort

Reacting to the demand, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday dismissed her charge, saying:
“Why does she first give such statements? First, they fight among themselves, and then she asks me for security.”

Fresh War of Words With Amarinder Singh

Earlier in the day, Navjot also took on former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, after he termed her “Rs 500 crore” claim a “total lie” and labelled her and her husband as “unstable” in an interview. Responding on X, Navjot questioned Amarinder’s record and referred to his switch to the BJP after quitting the Congress in 2021.
“Punjab is worried… Why didn’t you clear Navjot Sidhu’s files, which were so important for Punjab’s growth?” she wrote, alleging lapses related to mining and liquor policies.

Amarinder Hits Back

Amarinder Singh rejected her allegations, clarifying that Navjot Singh Sidhu never handled departments related to excise, mining or medical tourism. “Sidhu held the portfolios of Local Bodies, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and Sports. I handled the excise policy, mining policy and medical tourism, Sukhbinder Sarkaria and Brahm Mohindra, respectively,” Amarinder said.

He added that public policies are framed by concerned departments and approved by the Cabinet.
“Once approved, it is the responsibility of the minister concerned to ensure implementation. I never interfered in the working of any minister,” he said, reiterating that Sidhu was “not in the habit of clearing files for months.”

Political Fallout Continues

The episode has intensified the political slugfest in Punjab, with security concerns, corruption allegations and personal attacks converging amid already strained relations within the opposition Congress and rising tensions between rival political camps.