Chandigarh, April 8 Former Punjab MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who has joined the Bharatiya Rashtrawadi Party (BRP), claimed on Wednesday that her husband, Navjot Singh Sidhu, is not involved in any political activity.
Speaking about a plan for Punjab, the former Congress leader told reporters that the BRP will contest the 2027 assembly elections in the state. She also suggested that opium cultivation should be allowed if her party forms the government after the next elections.
Kaur, who was expelled from the Congress about two months ago, announced her joining the BRP on Monday night to "restore Punjab's former glory."
She stated that her husband, former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, is not involved in politics.
Responding to a question about the party she joined, she said that her husband Sidhu has no role in it.
When asked if her husband was still with the Congress, she replied that he is not.
"He hasn't been involved since the 2022 (Punjab assembly) elections. If he were, he would have been invited to any meeting," she said.
Asked if Sidhu would have any role in the upcoming 2027 elections, she said she doesn't know.
"He works four days a week and earns about Rs 15 lakh a day," she said.
Responding to another question, she said that Sidhu is not involved in politics.
Former Punjab Congress chief Sidhu has not been participating in the party's events and activities for the past several months. He also did not campaign in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Last April, Sidhu launched his new YouTube channel "Navjot Sidhu Official" to share his life experiences, discuss cricket, provide commentary, and offer motivational talks and lifestyle advice.
Kaur was an MLA from the Amritsar East seat on a BJP ticket in 2012. She also served as the chief parliamentary secretary (health).
She joined the Congress along with her husband ahead of the 2017 Punjab assembly elections.
Kaur told reporters that the BRP is not a new party, adding that it was registered in June 2015. The party has a presence in other states, she said, but it doesn't have a strong presence in Punjab.
BRP president Amlan Biswas appointed her as the party's in-charge for Punjab, she said.
Kaur stated that she has the support of non-resident Indians (NRIs) in several countries, including the US, Canada, Italy, Australia, and England, and they have assured her that they will support the party's candidates in the 2027 assembly elections.
Speaking about the party's plans for the Punjab assembly elections, she said that they will work to attract investments in the state if the party forms the government.
"We will assign the agriculture department to someone with proper knowledge. The education department will be assigned to someone who can improve this sector," she said.
A monitoring committee will also be formed, and no minister can sign any file until it gets approval, Kaur said.
"Our goal is to make Punjab a golden state," she said.
Regarding agriculture, she said that her party will allow opium cultivation in the state.
To encourage people to abandon drugs, opium is the only solution, she noted, adding that it will be government-controlled.
Kaur spoke about the marketing of crops grown in the state.
"We have a plan to make farmers 'lakhpati' and 'crorepati'," she claimed.
The government will be responsible for ensuring jobs for youth after they complete their education, she said.
When asked if she could join the BJP after recently praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said that she has not met anyone from that party.
When asked who will be the chief ministerial candidate, Kaur said that she will be.
The former MLA further said that she has received many offers for seats in the upcoming elections.
"We will be successful. This party is for the people. Many people who want to serve Punjab will join," she said.
Responding to a question, she said that in the coming days, she will expose 37 politicians in Punjab who are involved in corruption.
Attacking the Congress, she alleged that several leaders in that party are "compromised".
Speaking about her party's vision, she talked about promoting Ayurveda and waste-to-energy.
Kaur further said, "Today, cow urine is being exported. Moreover, cow dung patties are being made."
"But where is cow dung here (Punjab)? It's on the roads. Our villagers do not know how to compress it."
"We will involve those who share our vision for Punjab's welfare," she said.
Kaur further said that the party will conduct a survey to determine the best candidate for a seat.