The political landscape in Punjab has been stirred once again after suspended Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu publicly commended Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Her remarks, made on social media platform X, have fueled intense speculation about her political future and highlighted critical environmental concerns in the state.
Praise for BJP Leaders and a Warning on Punjab's Ecology
In a significant post, the wife of former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu extended credit to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, and the legal community. She credited them for their role in protecting Punjab's land and its precious forest cover, with a specific focus on the ecologically sensitive Shivalik range.
Kaur Sidhu stated that the persistent struggle of "Punjab lovers" was finally showing results. Her comments came with a stark warning against land grabbers, emphasizing the urgency as Punjab's forest cover has plummeted to a critically low 3.6%. She indirectly criticized the state's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, alleging that promises made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to safeguard the Shivaliks were being diluted.
Direct Accusations Against the Bhagwant Mann Government
In a separate and more direct post, Navjot Kaur Sidhu addressed Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann himself. She accused his administration of backtracking on firm commitments to take decisive action against land sharks, illegal mining, and unlawful tree felling in the state.
She presented an economic argument, contending that Punjab's revenue could see substantial growth if sectors like mining and liquor were brought under direct government control. She contrasted this approach with what she termed as "selling land pockets." Furthermore, Kaur Sidhu demanded the return of government land and grazing pastures meant for cattle. She alleged that registrations were being permitted on such protected lands while the poor faced harassment for minor housing violations.
Political Ambiguity and Reignited Speculation
This public stance arrives at a time of considerable uncertainty regarding Kaur Sidhu's position within the Congress party. She was suspended earlier following a controversial remark about "Rs 500 crore," and her future in the party remains unclear. While she has not made any formal political shift, her social media activity has sharply refocused attention on her ideological leanings and potential next steps.
It is noteworthy that Navjot Kaur Sidhu, a former BJP MLA, joined the Congress after leaving the BJP just before the 2017 Punjab assembly elections. However, her recent political conduct has raised eyebrows. Earlier meetings with senior BJP leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and prominent Hindu leader Parveen Bhai Togadia had already sparked rumors of a possible re-alignment. Her latest praise for Amit Shah on Saturday has only intensified such political chatter, leaving observers watching closely for her next move.
