Chandigarh, Gurpreet Singh :- Fresh cracks have surfaced within the Punjab unit of the Indian National Congress after Dr. Navjot Kaur Sidhu levelled serious allegations against Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring over an alleged land deal in Zirakpur.
In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Sidhu questioned how nearly 100 acres of land were acquired in Zirakpur, alleging that only a portion of the land could have been legally purchased while the remaining acreage was obtained through fraudulent means, including forged signatures and exploitation of unsuspecting landowners. She also referred to an alleged financial irregularity running into thousands of crores and challenged Warring to respond before the courts.
The allegations have further intensified internal tensions within the state Congress, which has already been grappling with factionalism. Dr. Sidhu also raised concerns over the collection of membership fees from party workers, claiming that Rs 75 per member was being charged from youth members and questioning how the accumulated funds—estimated in crores—were being utilised. She asked what tangible benefits, including employment or placements, had been provided to young party workers.
The controversy follows her recent remarks suggesting that becoming Chief Minister in Punjab required enormous financial backing, a statement that triggered sharp reactions within the party. In the aftermath, disciplinary action was initiated against her.
Responding to the charges, Raja Warring dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. He stated that if any documentary evidence of land ownership in Zirakpur in his name were produced, he would accept responsibility. He further criticised what he termed an attempt to malign his image through media narratives.
Amid the escalating war of words, Warring also announced that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address a public rally in Barnala on February 28, signalling the party’s efforts to consolidate its base despite the ongoing internal discord.
