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Chandigarh: The Congress high command has moved swiftly to contain the turmoil in its Punjab unit following Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s explosive allegation that “Rs 500 crore” was demanded for the Chief Minister’s post. Party sources said a high-level committee will probe the matter as part of a damage-control effort.

According to insiders, Rahul Gandhi has summoned a meeting later this week with the AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab and other senior leaders to assess the situation. With Parliament in session, the leadership is keen to prevent the dispute from escalating.

Meanwhile, the war of words between Navjot Kaur and supporters of PPCC chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring intensified on Wednesday. In a sharp escalation, she said, “Raja Warring, don’t use your dogs to bark… Why are you working against the Congress, defeating candidates and pushing them to other parties?”

Even as the high command urged both camps to calm down, former PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu has stayed away from the controversy.

Navjot Kaur, however, reiterated her loyalty to the party on X, stressing that she and her husband “will always be with the Congress,” amid speculation that she may be gravitating towards the BJP. “We will win Punjab for our humble, loving Gandhi family,” she said, adding that 70% of “efficient, honest and loyal” leaders sidelined by the party were in touch with her.

Accusing Warring of “destroying the party,” she wrote that all five MLAs from Amritsar had opposed his appointment as state chief, but their concerns were ignored. She also alleged that he distorted her remarks instead of listening to her full statement. “I clearly said the Congress never asked me for money. When asked why Sidhu doesn’t become CM from any other party, I replied that we don’t have Rs 500 crore to spend,” she clarified.

Responding from Muktsar, Warring said he was unfazed. “The Congress has always taken strict disciplinary action. Indiscipline will not be tolerated. Anyone trying to damage the party will be shown the door,” he warned. Personal attacks, he added, did not bother him: “Those who enjoyed power, held ministries, and later defame the party should feel ashamed.”