Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Criticizes Defectors Joining BJP
In a recent press conference, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned AAP members who defected to the BJP, labeling them as traitors. He emphasized the strong support AAP continues to receive from the people of Punjab, despite the departure of a few members. Mann criticized the BJP for attempting to undermine AAP and accused them of disrupting initiatives that benefit the state. His remarks come after a week-long trip aimed at attracting investment to Punjab, highlighting his commitment to the state's development amidst political challenges.
Apr 24, 2026, 20:28 IST
Bhagwant Mann Condemns Party Defectors
Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann labeled the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) members who defected to the BJP as traitors during a press conference on Friday. He accused the BJP of attempting to undermine AAP and claimed they have betrayed the people of Punjab. Mann stated that when they found nothing against him, they resorted to trying to fracture AAP.
Returning from a week-long trip to the Netherlands and Finland aimed at attracting investment to Punjab, Mann criticized the BJP for being unsettled by his rising popularity among the people.
Support for AAP Remains Strong
Mann emphasized that the people of Punjab stand firmly with AAP, asserting that the party is larger than any individual. He noted that the six or seven members who left do not represent the entire state. On the same day, Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak announced their defection to the BJP along with five other MPs. Previously, during a joint press conference in Delhi, Chadha claimed that nearly two-thirds of AAP's Rajya Sabha members had abandoned the party to form a separate faction within the BJP.
Among the seven MPs who left were Swati Maliwal and Harbhajan Singh.
Mann's Critique of BJP's Actions
Addressing the media, Mann reiterated his belief that the BJP has no connection with Punjab or its people. He accused the BJP of trying to disrupt anything that brings joy to the people of Punjab. He claimed that when AAP came to power, the BJP halted the rural development fund for the state. Mann also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to reverse his stance on the now-repealed three agricultural laws, which led to the BJP harboring resentment towards Punjab.