Navjot seeks security from Mann, he asks why give controversial statements

Suspended Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has sought security from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann even as she slammed his government for “facilitating liquor and mining mafia”.

Navjot, who was suspended from the Congress following her “Rs 500 crore for chief minister’s chair” remark, did not give reason for the demand. She also questioned the chief minister’s “silence” over the issues she raised with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.

In a representation to Kataria recently, Navjot had raised several issues, including encroachments in Shivalik Hills. Navjot Kaur is the wife of former Punjab Congress president and ex-cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu.

In a post on X on Friday, she said, “CM Bhagwant Mann ji, I think I need some security now, or else you will be responsible. And kindly answer why there is no response from your side on my issues raised before the honourable Governor of Punjab? Why are you facilitating the liquor and mining mafia?” Reacting to it, the CM on Saturday told reporters, “Why does she first give such statements. First they fight amongst themselves and then she is asking me for security.”

Amarinder on target

Earlier in the day, Navjot also targeted former CM Capt Amarinder Singh after he said that her controversial remark was a “total lie” while labelling the suspended Congress leader and her husband as “unstable” on Friday.

Taking to X, she referred to Amarinder’s switch to the BJP after his exit as the Punjab Chief Minister in the previous Congress regime.

“…Punjab is worried. I just wanted to add why didn’t you clear Navjot Sidhu’s files which were so important for Punjab’s growth?... You have so many questions to answer which will not fit into my 100 tweets,” she said referring to issues concerning mining and liquor policies. Replying to it, Amarinder said Navjot Sidhu had held three portfolios: Local Bodies, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and Sports.

“As such, he had nothing to do with the excise policy, the mining policy and the medical tourism issue since these departments were held by me, Sukhbinder Sarkaria and Bhram Mohindra, respectively. How does his wife claim to have had files on these subjects handled by him and sent to CM,” he asked.

The former CM said public policies were framed by departments concerned and finally approved by the Cabinet. “Once approved, it is the responsibility of the minister concerned to ensure its implementation. I never interfered with the working of any minister,” he added. “I have already said some days ago that Sidhu was not in the habit of clearing files for several months and I had to call him for an explanation,” added Amarinder.