Punjab’s political landscape is getting increasingly interesting ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. In a significant political development, three Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, Chetan Singh Jouramajra and Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after quitting AAP, adding to the political challenges facing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and party supremo Arvind Kejriwal. The three joined the BJP at its Delhi headquarters on November 2.
The timing of these exits is particularly significant. AAP recently announced its first list of 40 candidates for the 2027 elections, and AAP’s list also included its jailed minister. The announcement appears to have aggravated internal discontent, with speculation that several sitting MLAs could be denied tickets.
Pathanmajra represents Sanaur, while Jouramajra represents Samana. AAP had already appointed new constituency in-charges in both constituencies, fuelling speculation about possible changes in its candidate selection.
Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, a former IPS officer and MLA from Amritsar North, also resigned from the Assembly before joining the BJP. His departure adds another dimension to the growing churn within Punjab’s ruling party.
The departing leaders have raised several allegations against the Mann government, particularly concerning law and order, the drug menace, corruption and the handling of religious issues. Jouramajra also claimed that 15–20 sitting AAP MLAs had previously been in touch with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, although this remains his claim and has not been independently established.
For the BJP, the induction of three former AAP legislators offers an opportunity to strengthen its political presence in Punjab, where it is preparing for the next Assembly contest. The party will hope that these leaders bring local networks, political experience and constituency-level influence.
For AAP, however, the developments raise uncomfortable questions about internal cohesion, candidate selection and the relationship between its central leadership and elected representatives in Punjab.
With Congress, the BJP, the Shiromani Akali Dal and AAP all preparing for the 2027 electoral battle, Punjab politics is entering an interesting phase. The coming months will reveal whether these defections are isolated incidents or signs of a larger political realignment.
One thing is clear that the battle for Punjab has begun well before the election campaign officially gathers momentum.
