Punjab AAP Crisis: Three MLAs Resign in 24 Hours, Join BJP in Major Setback to Bhagwant Mann
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has suffered a major political setback in Punjab, with three MLAs resigning within 24 hours and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The latest to quit is Amritsar North MLA and former IPS officer Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, whose exit has intensified the political turmoil surrounding Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's government.
Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh submitted his resignation to Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, becoming the third AAP legislator to leave the party after two MLAs resigned on Sunday.
Three AAP MLAs Resign and Join BJP
The latest development follows the resignations of Samana MLA Chetan Singh Jodamajra and Sanour MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra on Sunday.
All three leaders subsequently reached the BJP office and joined the party, dealing a significant blow to AAP in Punjab.
Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh announced his resignation through a Facebook post, sharing a copy of his letter to the Assembly Speaker. He stated that he had resigned from the membership of the Punjab Legislative Assembly and proposed November 1, 2026, as the effective date of his resignation.
Why Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh Was Upset With AAP Government
Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh had been openly critical of the Bhagwant Mann government over several issues.
He was suspended from AAP for five years in June last year over allegations of anti-party activities.
Some of the major issues that led to his differences with the party included:
- 2015 sacrilege cases: As a member of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the 2015 sacrilege and police firing cases, he repeatedly criticised the state government over delays in delivering justice.
- Bikram Majithia case: He questioned the Punjab Vigilance Bureau's action against Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia.
- Spurious liquor deaths: He raised concerns over the government's handling of the spurious liquor tragedy in Amritsar, in which more than 20 people died, and criticised the administration's response.
From IPS Officer to AAP MLA
Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh entered politics in 2021 after taking voluntary retirement from the Indian Police Service (IPS).
He joined AAP the same year and contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections from Amritsar North. He won the seat by a significant margin.
His resignation and subsequent move to the BJP mark a major political shift, coming amid growing differences within Punjab's ruling party.
