Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia strongly reacted to reports of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), criticizing both AAP leadership and the Punjab government for allegedly ignoring the state’s interests. Majithia said the development was not surprising and alleged that Punjab’s key concerns had long been neglected by its representatives in Parliament. He also remarked, “I want to congratulate Raghav Chadha and everyone else. Actually, everyone knew that all these MPs were going to join the BJP.”

He further claimed that during their time in the Rajya Sabha, these leaders did not effectively raise issues related to Punjab, including water disputes, border areas, farmers, industry, Chandigarh, universities, and the Bhakra-Beas Management Board. Targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Majithia alleged that the state government had lost its focus, saying, “Bhagwant Mann is only physically in the Aam Aadmi Party; his heart and mind are in Delhi.”

He also questioned the stability of the Punjab government, claiming it had lost its majority and should prove its strength in the Assembly. “In my view, the Punjab government is in the minority today,” he said. Referring to earlier allegations of MLAs being offered inducements, he said no action had been taken despite complaints, adding that recent events only confirmed his suspicions. He further demanded a floor test, urging the Governor to call a House session so the government could prove its majority.

Majithia also warned of continued political instability in the state and suggested more defections could follow, saying the situation could prove damaging for the ruling party. The remarks came after AAP suffered a setback as several of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, and Ashok Mittal, reportedly split from the party and joined the BJP. The move was formally announced in Delhi, where they declared that two-thirds of AAP’s Upper House members had merged with the BJP, triggering sharp criticism from AAP and a positive response from the BJP.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.