Sidhu launches his Punjab model, keeps Channi poster at bay

As part of his manifesto, he announced that the state will create a liquor corporation of its own to sell and regulate the liquor industry in Punjab.

2 min readChandigarhJan 12, 2022 07:21 AM IST

Sidhu on Tuesday addressed the media and launched his Punjab Model formally with AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s stamp on it. . (File)

PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday addressed the media and launched his Punjab Model formally with AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s stamp on it. He did not, however, name Vadra but said that the model would be a part of the manifesto. On if it would not be a part of the manifesto, Sidhu said, he would answer this question when he would deem fit. The posters also did not have CM Charanjit Singh Channi’s picture.

He, however, said that the people will elect MLAs and in Punjab, they will choose their chief minister as well, not the Congress “high command”. Sidhu’s sharp retort came in response to reporters’ query on who would be the party’s chief ministerial face in Punjab.

As part of his manifesto, he announced that the state will create a liquor corporation of its own to sell and regulate the liquor industry in Punjab. An appropriate tax regime to be introduced such as Excise and VAT for streamlined revenue collection. Since, the VAT has been kept out of the GST ambit, therefore, it is very important for the state’s own income which will not go to the pocket of the Centre and stop excise leakages, he said.

The state run corporation will have their own production and Government run distilleries across the state. This is the most prevalent practice of states like Tamil Nadu to pocket revenue for the state and keep check and balance on the corrupt liquor supply.

Meanwhile, the Congress on Tuesday expanded the campaign and manifesto committees of the state. The 20-member manifesto committee has finance minister Manpreet Badal as the co-chairman with Rajya Sabha Member Partap Singh Bajwa.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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