Bengaluru, 8 Dec 

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar issued a fiery response to Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu, publicly suggesting she be committed to a mental health facility for her explosive "Rs 500 crore for CM post" remark.

Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, had triggered a row on Saturday by claiming that "one who gives a suitcase of Rs 500 crore becomes the Chief Minister," drawing strong response from the BJP and AAP over Congress's functioning.

Responding to the controversial comment made over the weekend, Shivkumar, who is also the state Congress president, said, "Let her be admitted to a hospital, some good mental hospital." 

The exchange follows Sidhu's attempt to walk back her original claim. On Sunday evening, Sidhu who is also the wife of former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu, posted a statement on X, claiming a "twist was given to a straight comment." She clarified that her party had never demanded money from them, but reiterated her family simply had "no money to offer for a CM post."

Sidhu had said her husband will return to active politics if the Congress declares him as the party's chief ministerial face in Punjab, ahead of the 2027 polls there. She further said they do not have money to give to any party but can transform Punjab into a 'golden state'.