Gurpreet Singh :- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched a scathing attack on rebel MPs who recently quit the party, using a striking analogy to criticise their move. In a social media post, Mann compared the defectors to “ginger, garlic and spices,” saying that while each may enhance the flavour of a dish individually, they cannot come together to create a dish of their own.
Escalating his criticism, Mann accused the rebel leaders of betraying the people of Punjab, asserting that the party and its organisation are always greater than any individual. He said that a handful of leaders who left had enjoyed positions of power without having to directly seek public support, and alleged that their decision to switch sides was driven by personal interests rather than public service.
The Chief Minister further remarked that such leaders would eventually be “used and discarded,” adding that their political future remains uncertain even in their new affiliations. He emphasised that his government and party function as a disciplined unit under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, describing themselves as committed “soldiers” of the organisation.
The controversy follows the exit of seven MPs—Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Kumar Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Swati Maliwal and Rajinder Gupta—who recently joined another political party, triggering a political storm in Punjab and beyond.
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also weighed in, stating that the fight against political opportunism and instability would be taken to a decisive stage. He reiterated that ensuring a stable and accountable political environment remains a priority.
The developments have also brought the anti-defection law into focus. Under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, legislators can be disqualified if they voluntarily give up membership of their party or defy its official directives. The provision, introduced in 1985, aims to curb political defections and maintain stability in governance.
