Bhagwant Mann's cousin joins BJP, calls AAP a party for 'khaas aadmi'
After joining, Gian Mann criticised the AAP government, alleging that the party had become a "Khaas Aadmi Party" (party for the elite) under Bhagwant Mann's leadership.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s cousin joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, in a move seen as a setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Gian Singh Mann joined the party in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar. After joining, Mann criticised the AAP government, alleging that the party had become a “Khaas Aadmi Party” (party for the elite) under Bhagwant Mann’s leadership.
Mann said he had long been associated with his cousin and had supported him since his days in the People’s Party of Punjab, through his tenure in the Lok Sabha and up to becoming Chief Minister. However, he claimed that Punjab was now facing serious challenges, including drug abuse, unemployment and corruption.
He said that the state was being run by leaders based in Delhi, in an apparent reference to AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and his close aides, and added, “Only the BJP has the capability to bring Punjab back on track.”
'EVERYONE WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE'
While inducting another leader, Bajinder Singh, into the party, Jakhar took potshots at the AAP for using agencies to raid businesses while crying foul over ED and CBI raids against members of their party.
"Singh, who runs a dhabha, was subjected to a GST raid orchestrated by the Punjab government. While the AAP frequently talks about the ED, they themselves ordered a raid on the dhabha," he said.
Jakhar alleged that AAP leaders have been involved in hooliganism in Ludhiana and Amritsar, adding that neither ED nor CBI investigations would stop and that “everyone will be held accountable.”
'BJP GROWING RAPIDLY IN PUNJAB'
Meanwhile, Saini said the party is “growing rapidly in Punjab,” adding that AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal had become rattled after election results in Assam and West Bengal.
The Haryana Chief Minister criticised his Punjab counterpart and his party, alleging they were “the very root of corruption”. He also claimed that AAP leaders had been seen “brazenly flaunting bundles of cash during ED raids.”
Comparing the states on administrative performance, he added that while the 7th Pay Commission has been implemented in Haryana, “even the 6th Pay Commission has not yet been fully implemented in Punjab.”
The latest political development underscores the BJP’s efforts to expand its presence in the state ahead of next year’s Assembly elections, as the AAP seeks to retain power amid internal challenges within the party.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s cousin joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, in a move seen as a setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Gian Singh Mann joined the party in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar. After joining, Mann criticised the AAP government, alleging that the party had become a “Khaas Aadmi Party” (party for the elite) under Bhagwant Mann’s leadership.
Mann said he had long been associated with his cousin and had supported him since his days in the People’s Party of Punjab, through his tenure in the Lok Sabha and up to becoming Chief Minister. However, he claimed that Punjab was now facing serious challenges, including drug abuse, unemployment and corruption.
He said that the state was being run by leaders based in Delhi, in an apparent reference to AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and his close aides, and added, “Only the BJP has the capability to bring Punjab back on track.”
'EVERYONE WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE'
While inducting another leader, Bajinder Singh, into the party, Jakhar took potshots at the AAP for using agencies to raid businesses while crying foul over ED and CBI raids against members of their party.
"Singh, who runs a dhabha, was subjected to a GST raid orchestrated by the Punjab government. While the AAP frequently talks about the ED, they themselves ordered a raid on the dhabha," he said.
Jakhar alleged that AAP leaders have been involved in hooliganism in Ludhiana and Amritsar, adding that neither ED nor CBI investigations would stop and that “everyone will be held accountable.”
'BJP GROWING RAPIDLY IN PUNJAB'
Meanwhile, Saini said the party is “growing rapidly in Punjab,” adding that AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal had become rattled after election results in Assam and West Bengal.
The Haryana Chief Minister criticised his Punjab counterpart and his party, alleging they were “the very root of corruption”. He also claimed that AAP leaders had been seen “brazenly flaunting bundles of cash during ED raids.”
Comparing the states on administrative performance, he added that while the 7th Pay Commission has been implemented in Haryana, “even the 6th Pay Commission has not yet been fully implemented in Punjab.”
The latest political development underscores the BJP’s efforts to expand its presence in the state ahead of next year’s Assembly elections, as the AAP seeks to retain power amid internal challenges within the party.
