Three AAP MLAs Switch to BJP Ahead of 2027 Punjab Assembly Elections

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a major political setback ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections as three of its leaders, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, Chetan Singh Jouramajra and Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday. The three leaders joined the BJP at its headquarters in New Delhi in the presence of senior party leaders, marking a significant political development in Punjab ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls.

The defections come at a crucial time for AAP, which recently announced its first list of 40 candidates for the 2027 elections. The latest developments have raised questions about the party's internal unity and its electoral preparations in the state. Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra represents the Sanaur Assembly constituency, while Chetan Singh Jouramajra is associated with the Samana constituency. Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh represents Amritsar North.

Pathanmajra and Jouramajra had reportedly been unhappy with the party leadership following recent organisational and political developments. Their exit came amid discussions over constituency-level appointments and the party's candidate selection strategy. Pathanmajra had also raised concerns over the Punjab government's handling of several issues, including flood-related difficulties, drug trafficking and the state's financial condition. Jouramajra, who previously served as a minister in the Bhagwant Mann government, was removed from the Cabinet during a reshuffle in September 2024.

The BJP has welcomed the three leaders at a time when it is working to strengthen its political presence in Punjab. Their entry could provide the party with additional political experience and local networks as it prepares to challenge AAP in the next Assembly elections. Reacting to the developments, Punjab AAP president Aman Arora criticised the BJP over its political approach towards leaders from other parties.

The latest defections are likely to intensify the political contest in Punjab, where AAP will seek another term in office while the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal are preparing to challenge the ruling party. With the 2027 Assembly elections approaching, the political developments could influence party strategies, candidate selection and electoral calculations across the state. The immediate challenge for AAP will be to maintain organisational unity and prevent further defections.

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