Punjab Congress MP Randhawa serves notice to suspended leader Navjot for defamatory remarks
Chandigarh, Dec 9
Congress Member of Parliament Sukhjinder Randhawa on Tuesday served a legal notice on suspended party leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu, asking her to apologise for making defamatory remarks against him or face legal action.
Former legislator Navjot Kaur is the wife of former Punjab Congress president and ex-Team India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu.
She was recently suspended from the primary membership of the party for her “Rs 500 crore CM†remark.
“We do not have Rs 500 crore to give to sit in the Chief Minister's chair," she told reporters, adding no one had demanded money from them, but “the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the CMâ€.
In the legal notice to her, Randhawa’s counsel said, “On December 7 and 8, you made false, baseless and defamatory statements against my client during your media interactions, which were widely broadcast and reported across electronic media, print media, and social platforms.
“Specifically, you alleged that my client indulged in corruption while serving as the incharge of Rajasthan for the Indian National Congress, including in the distribution of party tickets in exchange for monetary gratification.
“These statements were made without any evidence or basis and were intended to malign my client's character and reputation.â€
Calling her statements “completely false, fabricated and motivated by malice, political rivalry, or personal vendettaâ€, the counsel said his client did not engage in any corrupt practices, including in the allocation of party tickets or acceptance of bribes.
Last week Navjot Kaur triggered a political storm by claiming that “one who gives a suitcase filled with Rs 500 crore becomes the Chief Ministerâ€.
After facing suspension, Kaur termed Punjab state Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as “insensitive, irresponsible, morally dishonest and corruptâ€.
Kaur wrote on X, “I refuse to stand with an insensitive and irresponsible, morally dishonest and corrupt president. I stand up for all my brothers and sisters who have been hurt by his incompetence and irresponsible behaviour. I refuse to accept him as President. I wonder why the Chief Minister is shielding him.â€
Her remark, made while asserting that her husband Navjot Singh Sidhu would return to active politics only if the Congress declared him its CM face, has triggered sharp political backlash.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday, Kaur said they “speak only for Punjabâ€, but lack the kind of money she alleges influences top political appointments.
“We do not have Rs 500 crore to give to sit in the Chief Minister's chair," she said, adding no one had demanded money from them, but “the one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the CMâ€.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Whether the ₹500 crore claim is true or not, it reinforces what many common people already believe about politics. The fact that such a statement causes such a huge uproar tells its own story. The legal notice seems like an attempt to silence her rather than address the core issue of corruption perception. 🤔
Typical political drama before elections. Sidhu's family is trying to stay relevant. Randhawa ji is right to defend his reputation legally. You can't just go on TV and accuse people of taking bribes without a single piece of evidence. It damages the whole system.
As a Punjabi, I'm tired of this. Our state needs development and stability, not these never-ending political feuds. Both sides need to sit down and sort this out internally. This public mudslinging helps no one, especially not the farmers and youth looking for jobs.
Watching from abroad, this seems like a very personal conflict wrapped in political language. The "suitcase" metaphor is powerful and damaging. If there's no truth to it, a defamation case is the correct path. If there is truth, then that's a much bigger problem for Indian democracy.
The timing is suspicious. Sidhu has been quiet, and now his wife makes these explosive charges. Is this a pressure tactic to get him back as CM face? Whatever the game, it's the people of Punjab who lose. Our political discourse hits a new low every day. Very disappointing.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.