Punjab’s political arena witnessed heightened tensions on Monday as Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa asserted that over 32 MLAs from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party are in communication with him, expressing intentions to defect to the Congress. Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, made these allegations outside the assembly premises, suggesting a significant shift in the state’s political dynamics.
Bajwa’s assertions did not stop at the MLAs. He further alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is in clandestine discussions with the Bharatiya Janata Party . “When Arvind Kejriwal decides to remove him, he will pack his bags and join them ,” Bajwa claimed, insinuating potential instability within the AAP leadership.
Drawing parallels to political upheavals in other states, Bajwa likened the situation in Punjab to the “Eknath Shinde episode” in Maharashtra, where a faction of Shiv Sena MLAs defected, leading to a change in government. He suggested that the AAP legislators are making ‘advance bookings’ to join the Congress, akin to securing tickets for a popular event. “These MLAs are doing ‘advance booking’ to join the Congress, just like people buy tickets in advance for Diljit Dosanjh’s show,” Bajwa remarked, emphasizing the seriousness of his claims.
In response to these allegations, AAP’s state unit president and Cabinet Minister, Aman Arora, dismissed Bajwa’s statements as baseless and accused him of attempting to sow discord. Arora retorted that it is, in fact, Bajwa who has made “advance bookings” to join the BJP. “Partap Bajwa has already secured his advance booking with the BJP. I urge Rahul Gandhi to question Bajwa about his recent activities,” Arora stated, turning the tables on the Congress leader.
Arora further criticized Bajwa for his purported lack of awareness regarding his own party members, referencing the defection of Congress MLA Sandeep Jakhar to the BJP. “Bajwa is spreading rumours and indulging in frivolous statements that hold no merit. The Congress leader doesn’t even know the whereabouts of his own MLAs,” Arora added, questioning Bajwa’s credibility.
Echoing Arora’s sentiments, Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused Bajwa of engaging in “low-level politics” with aspirations to join the BJP. “He does low-level politics because he wants to join BJP. First, he sends his brother to the party… he is hungry for power,” Cheema commented, alluding to Bajwa’s familial political ties and suggesting ulterior motives behind his statements.
Bajwa, however, stood firm on his claims, asserting that his 45 years of political experience lend credibility to his statements. He emphasized that the Congress has no intention of toppling the current government but is merely acknowledging the outreach from disgruntled AAP MLAs. “We earlier said the Congress has no intention to topple this government. But I can confirm that 32 MLAs and even ministers are in touch with me,” Bajwa reiterated, highlighting the internal dissent within AAP ranks.
The AAP government, which holds a significant majority with 93 out of 117 seats in the Punjab Assembly, faces these allegations amidst a backdrop of political maneuvering and shifting alliances. The Congress, with 16 MLAs, and the BJP, holding 2 seats, are the primary opposition forces in the state.
Court Orders Verification in Swati Maliwal Corruption Case 