Chandigarh, 07 April (H.S.): Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of former cricketer and ex-Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, has announced the launch of a new political party Bhartiya Rashtrawadi Party in a move that could reshape Punjab’s political landscape.

Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) handle, Dr Sidhu shared the announcement along with an image displaying the party’s name. She described it as a “much-awaited announcement” and outlined her vision, stating that the initiative follows a detailed assessment of the performance of existing political leadership at the national level. “We aim to dedicate our lives to the service of the nation and deliver to people what they truly deserve and expect from us,” she wrote.

The post was shared late at night on social media. Notably, Navjot Singh Sidhu was not seen alongside her at the time of the announcement, and his role in the new outfit remains unclear. The development comes just two months after Dr Sidhu’s high-profile exit from the Indian National Congress. She was first suspended and later expelled following sharp criticism of senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Her remarks particularly referring to Gandhi as “pappu” and alleging undue financial influence in leadership decisions had triggered significant controversy and deepened internal rifts within the party.

While Dr Sidhu has continued to criticise the Congress openly, Navjot Singh Sidhu has largely stayed away from active politics in recent months. Interestingly, his social media profiles still prominently feature Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, whom he has previously described as his mentors.

Although major political parties have not yet issued official responses, political observers believe the move could further fragment anti-incumbency votes ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Some sources suggest Navjot Singh Sidhu may continue focusing on his media and entertainment career rather than taking an immediate political role.

Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu’s political journey has been marked by significant shifts. She was elected as a BJP MLA from Amritsar East in 2012 before later joining the Congress along with her husband, who went on to serve as the Punjab Congress chief.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH