Political Turmoil in Punjab: Fallout from AAP's Rajya Sabha Defections

Opposition parties in Punjab have criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his silence on state issues following the defection of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP. The move has sparked accusations of betrayal from AAP and other political opponents, who claim the nominations favored 'outsiders' over Punjab's own priorities.

The political landscape in Punjab has been shaken following the defection of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP, prompting severe criticism from opposition parties. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been accused of remaining silent on key state issues until this political shift threatened his position.

On Friday, a significant political shift occurred as seven AAP MPs, including six representing Punjab, switched allegiances to the BJP. The defectors include notable names such as Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, and Harbhajan Singh. Sources say Mann has sought a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu to discuss the developments.

Opposition leaders, including Shiromani Akali Dal’s Bikram Singh Majithia and state Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, have condemned the AAP's previous Rajya Sabha nominations, arguing they benefited 'outsiders'. They claim the defectors' actions highlight perceived neglect of Punjab's genuine interests by AAP leadership.