As Sidhu stays in jail, followers cancel welcome plans

Former PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu’s camp was hopeful that he would be released at the last minute as he had completed more than half of his jail term and was eligible for special remission.

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Former PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu. (File)

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With the Punjab government not releasing former Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Navjot Singh Sidhu from Patiala jail by extending special remission under the Centre’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, his camp cancelled plans to welcome him outside Patiala Central jail on Thursday.

Early on Thursday morning, the Patiala Municipal Corporation also removed billboards that were placed to welcome Sidhu, his aide Narinder Lali said.

While the government had not moved Sidhu’s case for special remission, his camp was hopeful that he would be released at the last minute as Sidhu had completed 66 per cent of his jail term and was eligible for remission under Category 6 of the Centre’s release policy.

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However, the state government did not move his file.

His wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu tweeted: “Navjot Sidhu falls in the category of a ferocious animal. So the government doesn’t want to extend the 75th year of independence relief to him. You are all requested to stay away from him.”

Sidhu is undergoing rigorous imprisonment in Patiala jail since May 24 in a 1988 road rage case. The government had put up his case to the screening committee last month but it was later dropped.

Sources said the Punjab government did not want to give the Opposition a handle by releasing Sidhu as the issue of ‘Bandi Sikhs’ (Sikh prisoners) was a contentious topic in the state.

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Anticipating his release, the Congress high command had invited Sidhu to participate in the Bharat Jodo Yatra on January 30.

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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