Is Navjot Kaur Sidhu toeing BJP line in Punjab?

The recent launch of the Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Rashtrawadi Party (BRP) by expelled Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu has sparked fresh speculation in Punjab’s political circles about a possible indirect alignment with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Though a relatively lesser-known political outfit, the BRP is being seen by analysts as a platform through which Sidhu is mounting sharp attacks on the Congress and Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

Senior Congress leader Pargat Singh described the move as an attempt to fragment anti-incumbency votes in the run-up to the polls.

Sidhu’s criticism has been particularly pointed, targeting Congress leadership over alleged protection of “tainted” leaders disconnected from grassroots realities, while also levelling personal allegations against Badal, including claims of a 30 per cent commission on projects and opium use. Political observers believe such attacks could indirectly benefit the BJP, which is seeking to expand its presence in Punjab.

However, Sidhu has firmly denied any plans to join or align with the BJP.

While Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has not publicly responded to the allegations, SAD leaders have dismissed Sidhu’s claims as “senseless talk” from someone who has “lost her way”.

A Congress insider, requesting anonymity, suggested that her assertions of exposing multiple “corrupt” leaders — including members of her former party — could weaken established political forces at a time when the BJP is also targeting both Congress and SAD.

Sidhu, however, maintains that the BRP is an independent initiative aimed at restoring Punjab’s “lost glory” and has emphasised that her husband, former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, has no involvement in the party.

Fueling further speculation, Sidhu has recently praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and spoken positively about senior BJP leaders such as Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari. Notably, she herself was elected as an MLA from Amritsar East on a BJP ticket in 2012 and served as Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Health) in the SAD-BJP government.

Her latest political move has also reportedly caused unease within sections of the BJP’s local unit in Amritsar, even as party leaders maintain a cautious silence. Meanwhile, both Congress and SAD leaders have characterized her actions as opportunistic.

With Punjab’s political landscape continuing to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Sidhu’s new venture will have any significant impact in the run-up to the 2027 Assembly elections.