Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is in New Delhi to take up the issue of recent political defections with Droupadi Murmu, following the exit of several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha members who have joined the BJP.
The meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan comes amid growing tension within Punjab’s political landscape, as the ruling party alleges that the shift of its Members of Parliament undermines the mandate given by the people. Among those who switched sides are prominent figures such as Raghav Chadha, Harbhajan Singh, and Ashok Mittal.
Speaking before leaving for Delhi, Mann said he believes the President, as the constitutional head, will give due consideration to their concerns. Though only the Chief Minister has been formally invited, a group of AAP MLAs has also travelled to the capital to support the representation.
Senior Punjab minister Aman Arora said the party intends to press for strict action, including cancellation of recognition of the MPs who changed allegiance. He argued that such moves weaken public trust and called for safeguards against similar situations in the future.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema echoed similar concerns, describing the developments as a serious challenge to democratic norms. He added that the delegation would urge the President to examine constitutional provisions that could address such cases.
Meanwhile, AAP MLA Vijay Singla rejected rumours of further defections within the party, maintaining that the leadership remains intact. He said approaching the President was part of a lawful and democratic process.
In a parallel development, Raghav Chadha is also expected to meet the President separately, potentially presenting a different viewpoint on the controversy.
The issue has sparked a broader political debate, with both sides preparing to defend their positions as the matter moves into the national spotlight.
