Saturday, March 29, 2025
Captain Amarinder Singh Says Sidhu Couple Is Unfit for Politics, Recalls “Talking to God” Remark by Navjot Sidhu
Former Punjab Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh has launched a sharp attack on Navjot Singh Sidhu and his wife, Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, calling the Sidhu couple “unfit for politics” and accusing them of lacking basic political understanding and responsibility.
Speaking to a news agency, Captain Amarinder Singh reacted to the controversy triggered by Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s remark alleging that a ₹500-crore “briefcase” is required to become Chief Minister within the Congress party. Although she did not name any party or individual, Captain said such statements malign the entire political system and harm India’s global image.
Captain Amarinder Singh said that irresponsible remarks of this nature create the perception that all politicians are corrupt, which damages India’s credibility internationally and discourages foreign investment.
“Even if no party was named, such statements tarnish the whole political landscape. Globally, people begin to believe that everyone here is a thief,” he said.
He added that Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, despite being highly educated, fails to grasp the consequences of her words. “She believes she has done something great by talking about ₹500 crore, but she does not understand how such statements shape opinions about India worldwide,” he said.
Captain Amarinder Singh also shared an anecdote from the time Navjot Singh Sidhu was being considered for entry into Congress. He said former Congress president Sonia Gandhi had asked him to assess Sidhu’s suitability for politics.
“When I met him for lunch, he spoke more about yoga than about public issues. He told me he does yoga for six hours a day and spends two hours daily talking to God—one hour in the morning and one in the evening,” Captain recalled.
“I told Sonia Gandhi clearly that he was a strange man and unfit for politics. Unfortunately, he was still brought in, and everyone knows what followed.”
Captain alleged that Sidhu failed to deliver even when given responsibility. “He was a minister in my government. For seven months, he did not clear files. When I asked him why, he gave vague answers and eventually resigned and walked away,” he said.
He also remarked that despite coming from a political family—Sidhu’s father was brought into politics by Captain’s mother—Navjot Sidhu never developed political maturity. “It is surprising that he learned nothing, despite his background,” he added.
It is notable that Captain Amarinder Singh lost his Chief Minister’s post in 2021 after Navjot Singh Sidhu was appointed Punjab Congress president. Following this, Captain quit the Congress, briefly floated his own party, and later joined the BJP.
Captain also criticized the current AAP-led Punjab government, claiming that the state is being run remotely by leaders from Delhi. “Punjab needs a stable government that understands its issues. What is the use of a Chief Minister who does not know how to govern?” he asked.
He alleged that key decisions are being controlled by Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal, with the Chief Minister merely making appearances on television.
On the issue of Punjab University and Chandigarh, Captain said no one has the right to interfere. “Chandigarh and Punjab University belong to Punjab. The Prime Minister is positive towards Punjab, and no external interference should be allowed,” he asserted.
Concluding his remarks, Captain Amarinder Singh emphasized that politics demands seriousness and restraint. “Not every thought needs to be spoken publicly. Politics is not a joke—it carries responsibility toward the state and the country,” he said.
