PM Modi’s Punjab visit draws attention, political focus shifts to the ‘Sidhus’
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ February1,2026
On the occasion of Guru Ravidass Jayanti, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Punjab today. During his visit, he will pay obeisance at Dera Ballan in Jalandhar.
As Punjab is a politically sensitive and election-bound state, the Prime Minister’s visit has generated considerable curiosity regarding its political implications. All eyes will not only be on PM Modi’s actions but also on Punjab’s political heavyweights bearing the surname “Sidhu” — Captain Amarinder Singh and Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu.
Captain Amarinder Singh, who is also a Sidhu, has been noticeably absent from BJP Punjab unit activities almost since his joining in 2022. He had already accused state BJP for not consulting him on key issues.
On Saturday, a core committee meeting of Punjab BJP leaders was held in Chandigarh to finalise preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit. Captain Amarinder Singh was notably absent from the photograph released after the meeting.
Photographs from the meeting were shared by Parminder Singh Brar on his X (formerly Twitter) account with the caption: “Productive and focused meeting with Hon’ble State BJP President Sh. Sunil Jakhar Ji, Punjab BJP Co-Incharge Dr. Narendra Raina Ji, Working President Sh. Ashwani Sharma Ji, along with Mantri Srinivas Ji. Detailed discussions were held regarding the upcoming visit of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji to Punjab and the planning of forthcoming organisational programmes to strengthen the party at the grassroots level. Together, committed to taking BJP’s vision of development and good governance to every corner of Punjab.”
Notably, neither Captain Amarinder Singh nor his daughter Jai Inder Kaur was seen in the meeting. Jai Inder Kaur currently serves as the state president of the BJP Mahila Morcha.
Meanwhile, political developments on the other side have added to the intrigue. Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, former Punjab minister, quit the Congress party just hours ahead of PM Modi’s visit. Announcing her decision on Saturday via X, she stated that she had left the party as “no promising leader was being heard.”
Political circles are now abuzz with speculation that Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu may rejoin the BJP, possibly in the presence of PM Modi at Jalandhar, before his visit to Dera Ballan.
Modi will unveil the plaque renaming the Adampur airport and simultaneously inaugurate the Halwara airport terminal through video conferencing. He will then proceed to Dera Sachkhand Ballan to attend a public function marking the 649th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas.
The timing of her resignation—just hours before the Prime Minister’s arrival—has further fuelled these rumours.
