Navjot Singh Sidhu meets Congress leaders, to make official announcement today

Navjot Singh Sidhu was summoned to the capital by AICC general secretary in charge of organisation KC Venugopal, and party general secretary in charge of Punjab Harish Rawat.

Sidhu after meeting K C Venugopal and Harish Rawat in Delhi. (Tashi Tobgyal )

OVER A fortnight after he resigned as Punjab Congress president, Navjot Singh Sidhu raised his issues at a meeting with senior party leaders at the Congress headquarters in Delhi on Thursday. He was summoned to the capital by AICC general secretary in charge of organisation KC Venugopal, and party general secretary in charge of Punjab Harish Rawat.

Speaking to The Indian Express after the meeting, Rawat said Sidhu told them that he would abide by the party leadership’s decision. “The direction from the party leadership is clear. He has been given the responsibility to strengthen the Congress in Punjab and inject enthusiasm. He should do that work,” Rawat said, when asked whether Sidhu would continue as the Punjab Congress president.

Rawat said Sidhu will make an official announcement on Friday. “You will get all the information about this tomorrow,” he said.

Speaking to reporters, Sidhu said: “I have raised my concerns on the Congress and Punjab to the panel. I have full faith in the Congress president, Priyanka ji and Rahul ji. Jo bhi nirnay lenge, woh Congress aur Punjab ke hit mein hoga (Whatever decision is taken will be for the benefit of Congress and Punjab). I will abide by whatever they say.”

Earlier in the day, speaking at The Indian Express Idea Exchange, Rawat said Sidhu had not pressed for acceptance of his resignation and pointed out that he was actively involved in party work. “I think he has discussed the issues which he raised — he has discussed it with the Chief Minister. On one issue, they have come to an understanding; on another issue, we will try to thrash out. I am quite hopeful. He has not pressed for the acceptance of his resignation,” said Rawat.

“His resignation is only on Twitter. We have seen it in the newspapers and media reports. He is very active on Congress issues. Recently in Lakhimpur, (on) the farmers’ issue… he was part of a march to Lakhimpur and courted arrest also. In Lakhimpur, he observed a fast… a one-day maun vrat also. So he is doing his political work,” Rawat said, when asked whether he was confident that Sidhu would continue as the state Congress chief.

Following Sidhu’s meeting with party leaders, a Congress source said: “Today, he has told the party about his issues. All this while, he was raising the issues largely on Twitter. We have heard him out. The party will soon make an announcement on his future.”

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Sources said Sidhu has been asked to deal with the general secretary in-charge, instead of calling up Rahul and Priyanka directly. The party also sent out a message by appointing Siddharth Chattopadhayaya as Vigilance chief in Punjab. Sidhu was pushing for Chattopadhayaya to be the state DGP.

“All the issues that he has been raising appear to be public posturing. Earlier, it was Advocate General and DGP; yesterday, he raised the issues of sand and liquor; today, he talked about the delay in pay commission. Why is he raising all these issues in public? Why not at the party platform? Has he done what he promised? Did he sleep in the PPCC headquarters as he promised while taking over,” said a party source.

According to sources, Sidhu wanted an assurance that he should be the Congress’s next CM face in Punjab, “He does not say it in as many words but the pressing issue is that he wants to be the next CM face. Is it not clear from the video that went viral in which he was heard saying that ‘make Bhagwant Singh’s son the CM and then see’. Do people of Punjab not understand,” said a party leader.

Sources said that Sidhu has been asked to return to Punjab and work for the party. “Senior party leaders will sit together and take a call on what should be done about Sidhu. The CWC meet is on Saturday. Senior Congress leaders will be busy tomorrow. If they are not able to take a call on Sidhu tomorrow, then the matter will be delayed by two-three days,” a source said.

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Earlier, Sidhu posted his resignation as PPCC chief on Twitter. Subsequently, he met Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, in the presence of central observer Harish Chaudhary. While the party asked Sidhu to withdraw his resignation, he has not done so yet.

At the Idea Exchange, Rawat said the party knows that Sidhu is “governed by sentiments”. “In fact, there are certain issues which are very dear to him as well as for the Congress party… When he finds that there may be some hiccup or some weakness in dealing with the issues, he raises questions,” he said.

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“And out of sentiment, he has tendered his resignation by tweet. It is not a practice in political parties, especially in the Congress. But knowing that he is always governed by sentiments, we have given him time. I think things will improve. We have discussed this matter with the Chief Minister and they will thrash out whatever is the small problem regarding two appointments,” he said.

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

Manoj C.G

Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape. Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis. The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage. Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting. Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics. National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections. Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum. Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital. Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief. Find all stories by Manoj C G here. ... Read More

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