Navjot Singh Sidhu’s Spiritual and Political Reawakening: Havan, Stars, and the Road Back to BJP?

Sherry's Star-Studded Return to Active Politics.

Return of the Prodigal Son or Return of the Native?

The Cricketer-Turned-Politician's Comeback: Rhetoric Meets Ritual

Navjot Singh Sidhu, the fiery former cricketer-turned-politician, appears set for a dramatic re-entry into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leaving behind the Congress Party, which has been his political base since January 2017. While an official announcement is still awaited, negotiations are reportedly in their final stages. Sidhu’s anticipated return is expected to serve BJP’s strategic needs in Maharashtra, where his campaigning prowess could strengthen the party’s alliance with the Shiv Sena Shinde faction in the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections. Sources close to the matter indicate that a senior BJP minister from Maharashtra has secured approval from the top brass, banking on Sidhu’s magnetic oratory to connect with voters across both urban and rural constituencies.

Adding fuel to the speculation, former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu—who unsuccessfully contested the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket—on Saturday (2 November) afternoon posted photos with Sidhu’s wife, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, on his social media handle.

The Role of Stars and Havans in Sidhu's Revival

It is well known that Navjot Sidhu and his family place considerable trust in astrology, with his personal astrologer reportedly declaring that the stars now favour a return to the BJP. Intriguingly, his recent personal and financial troubles have been attributed to a “misaligned Shivling” at his palatial Amritsar residence. The remedy? Purification ceremonies, including a yagna, to correct the astral imbalance and seek atonement for the inadvertent misstep that was purportedly obstructing Sidhu’s fortunes. These religious rituals were conducted quietly, without the usual fanfare, as Sidhu sought to appease divine energies and clear the way for his political comeback.

Faith and Strategy: OP Soni’s Rituals and Political Positioning

Navjot Sidhu is not alone in turning to rituals during personal setbacks. Another prominent Congress figure from Amritsar, former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Om Parkash Soni, recently performed similar ceremonies upon entering his newly constructed house. OP Soni, too, had considered joining the BJP during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, though the party ultimately chose former Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Taranjit Singh Sandhu, leaving Soni’s aspirations sidelined. Now firmly resolved to stay with the Congress Party, Soni is positioning himself as the Hindu face of a resurgent Congress with an eye on the 2027 Vidhan Sabha elections in Punjab. As he builds his influence locally, the role of religious rituals in the lives of Punjab’s political elite—often a blend of faith and strategy—continues to be significant.

Ghar Wapsi to BJP or Just Another U-Turn? Navigating Sidhu’s Tumultuous Political Path

Navjot Sidhu’s potential return to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) marks yet another twist in his unpredictable political journey. Once the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President—a position he wrested from the respected Sunil Jakhar, now ironically the Punjab BJP President—Sidhu’s relationship with the Congress has been far from smooth. His tenure as PPCC chief was short-lived; he stepped down shortly barely days after Charanjit Singh Channi emerged as Punjab’s first Dalit Chief Minister, following the dramatic ousting of Captain Amarinder Singh by the Congress high command. Though Sidhu’s resignation was officially accepted only after the party’s crushing defeat in the 2022 Vidhan Sabha elections, his position had already been overshadowed, and he suffered his own political setback by losing his Amritsar East seat.

Sidhu’s departure left a vacancy that was filled by his protégé, Raja Warring, now a Congress Lok Sabha MP from Ludhiana and the current state Congress President. Warring has managed to consolidate his influence, securing a role that Sidhu once held and perhaps aspired to retain. Sidhu’s track record, however, reveals a longstanding pattern of discord. From walking out on Captain Amarinder Singh’s cabinet to leaving the Indian Test cricket team under skipper Mohammad Azharuddin, Sidhu has often shown a penchant for challenging authority and resisting rigid hierarchies—a trait that has earned him both admirers for his independence and critics for his unpredictability.

Now, as Sidhu contemplates a “ghar wapsi” to the BJP, questions abound about his loyalty and long-term commitment. His re-entry into the BJP could indeed provide him with a fresh platform, but political observers in Punjab are wary of his shifting allegiances and his tendency to rebel against leadership. For many, this potential return to the BJP is not just a new chapter but another page in Sidhu’s story of calculated risks and unpredictable turns.

Political, Financial and Legal Troubles

Following his defeat in the Amritsar East constituency during the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, Navjot Sidhu’s political and financial fortunes took a steep downturn. His once-thriving income from television appearances and commentary assignments dwindled considerably, as highlighted in his 2022 election affidavit, which showed a decline in earnings since 2016-17. This financial strain stemmed largely from his decision to suspend media engagements upon taking a cabinet position, under Captain Amarinder Singh. Further exacerbating his troubles was his contractual fallout with the BCCI; having allegedly defaulted on commitments when he entered active politics, Sidhu faced threats of legal action for recovery and damages from the cricketing body.

This strained relationship with the BCCI is said to have influenced his return to IPL commentary. According to sources, he managed to settle his outstanding obligations through an out-of-court agreement, reportedly adjusting prior dues in exchange for a modest new contract. This arrangement allowed him to re-enter the commentary box, albeit on reduced terms, offering some relief from the financial pressures that accompanied his political setbacks.

Sidhu’s challenges, however, extended beyond financial troubles. Legal issues stemming from a 1988 road rage incident reached a dramatic conclusion in April 2023, when he walked out of Patiala Central Jail after serving a full year behind bars. Contrary to public expectations of possible remission, the Supreme Court’s final verdict provided no relief, requiring him to serve his sentence in its entirety. This unbroken prison term marked a sobering chapter in Sidhu’s already turbulent journey, underscoring the lasting impact of past actions on his current struggles. Yet, it also reflected his resilience and “never-say-die” attitude, as he emerged from incarceration ready to confront the challenges ahead.

Now, as Sidhu contemplates a possible return to the BJP amidst whispers of a “ghar wapsi,” he faces the dual challenges of rebuilding his political relevance and restoring his financial stability, both deeply marked by a series of contentious decisions and turbulent turns.

Sidhu’s Financial Strain and the Symbolic Sale of Amritsar Residence

Sidhu’s financial challenges culminated in a major decision, which we could not independently confirm: the widely believed sale of his grand Amritsar residence. Valued at ₹34 crore, according to his 2022 election affidavit, the estate was reportedly sold in an off-market transaction to a well-connected NRI, vide which Sidhu was permitted to retain temporary possession. He recently confirmed his continued possession by sharing a video of himself strolling through the lush, tree-lined lawns of the property, while remaining tight-lipped on the quasi-sale arrangement. However, locals in Amritsar note that Sidhu now primarily resides in his ancestral Patiala home in Yadavindra Colony, a place rich with his family’s legacy. It was here, too, that Sidhu reportedly conducted recent purification rituals, marking a spiritual renewal in keeping with the introspective, ritualistic approach that has increasingly shaped his recent life.

Stars and Stability: Sidhu’s Return to Politics and Family Realignment

Astrology has become a significant influence on Sidhu’s personal and political decisions, with his astrologer’s recent advice suggesting that the time is ripe for a “ghar wapsi” to the BJP, adding a sense of destiny to his potential comeback. On the home front, Sidhu’s family life also appears to be finding a new equilibrium. His wife is reportedly nearing full recovery after a challenging battle with cancer, and his son Karan’s marriage to Inayat Randhawa, daughter of Maninder Randhawa, Deputy Director of the Punjab Defence Services Welfare Department, was celebrated in December 2023. Sidhu is now actively seeking a suitable match for his daughter, Rabia, who took on the role of managing his Twitter handle during his incarceration and her mother’s medical treatment. These recent milestones signal a growing stability in Sidhu’s personal life, one he hopes will mirror his renewed political ambitions.

The “Third Umpire”: Will Sidhu Return to the Top?

Navjot Sidhu’s supporters and detractors alike agree that his crowd-pulling prowess remains unmatched. His command of Punjabi, English, and Hindi, paired with a resonant oratory style filled with one-liners, witticisms, anecdotes from ancient scriptures, and humorous tales, makes him a unique force in politics. Yet, questions about his long-term loyalty linger, given his history of shifting political allegiances and challenges with authority.

With today, November 4, marking the last date for withdrawal of nominations and the election set for November 20—public campaigning closing on the evening of November 18—the window of opportunity for Sidhu’s entry is indeed narrow. As speculation builds around his role in Maharashtra’s election campaigns and a potential appointment as the Punjab BJP President, Sidhu remains a blend of potential and unpredictability in Punjab’s political theatre. Whether this latest innings will mark Sidhu’s triumphant return or yet another misstep will depend on how well he can balance his fiery nature with the disciplined commitment required by BJP’s agenda. For now, the political “third umpire”—time itself—awaits its verdict on Sherry’s future.