3 AAP Leaders Join BJP, Criticise Bhagwant Mann Government

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a political setback in Punjab on Monday as three of its leaders, including two sitting MLAs, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the state’s upcoming Assembly elections. The leaders criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led government, raising concerns over unemployment, law and order and what they described as the declining state of Punjab’s identity.

The three leaders who joined the BJP are Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, Chetan Singh Jouramajra and Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh. Their departure comes at a politically significant time for the AAP, with Punjab scheduled to hold Assembly elections in 2027.

The leaders formally joined the BJP at a ceremony held at the party’s national headquarters in New Delhi.

Three AAP Leaders Join BJP Ahead of Punjab Assembly Elections

Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and Chetan Singh Jouramajra, both sitting MLAs, resigned from the AAP on Sunday, November 1, before joining the BJP the following day.

Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, who represented the Amritsar North Assembly constituency, also resigned from his position as an MLA on Monday before joining the BJP.

The three departures add to the political challenges facing the ruling AAP as it prepares for the next Punjab Assembly elections. The exit of two sitting legislators and a former party member who held an Assembly seat could become an important issue in the state’s political contest.

Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh Attacks Bhagwant Mann Government

After joining the BJP, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh launched a sharp criticism of the AAP government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

He raised concerns about unemployment and the influence of gangsters in Punjab’s political and administrative environment. He also questioned whether the state government was adequately protecting Punjab’s cultural and political identity.

“Punjab is fighting for its identity. There is no Punjabiyat left in Punjab. Gangsters are becoming part of Punjab government,” he said after joining the BJP.

His remarks reflect the criticism being levelled by the departing leaders against the state government. However, these statements represent his political assessment and allegations rather than independently established findings.

BJP Calls AAP Leaders’ Exit the Beginning of a Bigger Exodus

BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill described the three leaders’ departure as the beginning of a larger political setback for the AAP.

Speaking to India Today ahead of the joining ceremony, Shergill predicted that more leaders could leave the Arvind Kejriwal-led party.

“This is just the beginning of a mega collapse. As they say euphemistically, ‘picture abhi baaki hai’,” Shergill said.

He also used the AAP’s election symbol, the broom, to criticise the party’s political position and suggest that its organisational strength could weaken further before the 2027 elections.

“Since their symbol is Jhadu, Jhadu ke teele-teele ho rahe hain aur honge aur yeh puri tana bikhrengi 2027 chunav se pehle,” he added.

Shergill’s comments indicate that the BJP views the departures as an opportunity to challenge the AAP’s political position in Punjab ahead of the next Assembly election.

Why the AAP Leaders’ Departure Matters for Punjab Politics

The departure of three AAP leaders, including two sitting MLAs, comes at a crucial stage in Punjab’s political preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections.

For the BJP, their induction provides an opportunity to expand its political presence in the state and highlight criticism of the incumbent government. The party has also used the development to question the AAP’s organisational stability.

For the AAP, the resignations create a challenge as it prepares to defend its government and respond to allegations raised by former members. The political impact will depend on whether further leaders leave the party and how the developments influence voter opinion in the coming months.

Punjab’s Political Battle Intensifies Ahead of 2027

The three leaders’ move to the BJP has added another development to Punjab’s changing political landscape. Their criticism of the Mann government, particularly over unemployment, gangsters and Punjab’s identity, is likely to feature in the political debate ahead of the next Assembly elections.

Meanwhile, the BJP has indicated that it expects further political movement within the AAP. Whether the three departures lead to additional exits or a broader organisational shift remains to be seen as parties prepare for the 2027 electoral contest.