Navjot-Warring clash flares up, Rahul steps in to defuse crisis

The Congress high command has stepped in to defuse the crisis in the Punjab unit triggered by Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s sensational “Rs 500 crore for CM post” remark, with party sources indicating that a high-level committee will look into the conflict as part of the damage control exercise.

The sources said senior party leader Rahul Gandhi had called a meeting with the AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab affairs and other senior leaders later this week to discuss Punjab-related issues. The leadership did not want the crisis to deepen amid the ongoing Parliament session, they added.

Amid the raging war of words between Navjot Kaur and loyalists of PPCC chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the former on Wednesday sharpened her attack, saying, “Raja Warring, don’t use your dogs to bark, who were given the ticket because of you. Why are you constantly working against the Congress, defeating candidates and forcing them to join other parties?”

While the party high command has advised both sides to rein themselves in, former PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu has stayed away from the controversy.

In her posts on X, Navjot Kaur “underscored” that she and her husband “will always be with the party”. Her comments assume significance amid buzz in party circles about her alleged leanings towards the BJP.

She said, “We are and will always be with the Congress and will win our Punjab state and gift it to our own humble, loving and sacrificing Gandhi family. Seventy per cent of the ‘efficient, honest and loyal’ leaders you have disassociated from the Congress are in touch with me.”

Accusing the PPCC chief of “destroying the party”, she wrote, “All five MLAs of Amritsar were against the person you made president, ignoring 34 seniors. You have done the same in collusion with corrupt people and are forcing good people to leave the party.”

She alleged that instead of listening to her full video, the state party chief distorted facts and abused her, forcing her to respond. “You could have clarified that I clearly said that the Congress had never asked me for money. Then, on being asked why Sidhu is not becoming the CM from any other party, my reply was that we don’t have Rs 500 crore to spend,” Navjot Kaur said.

Responding to the allegations, Warring told the media in Muktsar that he remained unbothered. “The Congress has always taken strict disciplinary action whenever necessary. The party never permits indiscipline. Anyone who violates discipline will face action. If someone tries to make mischief or damage the party by collaborating with others, the Congress will show such a person the door,” he said.

Warring said personal attacks did not affect him. “I don’t take such remarks to heart. I observe everything calmly. But those who enjoyed positions of power, held ministries, served as presidents, and then go on to defame the party should feel ashamed,” he said.