Chandigarh, April 29
Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma on Tuesday accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of remaining silent on allegations of corruption and deviation from principles raised by former AAP leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, following a recent wave of defections from the party.
Addressing the media, Sharma criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for branding the seven Rajya Sabha MPs who quit the party and joined the BJP as traitors. He said these leaders have contributed significantly in sectors such as industry, education, sports, and social service, bringing recognition to Punjab.
“Those being labeled as traitors are known for their hard work and achievements,” Sharma said, referring to leaders including Rajinder Gupta, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, and Vikramjit Singh Sahney.
He argued that if switching political parties is considered betrayal, then several leaders, including the chief minister and members of his cabinet who have changed affiliations in the past, would fall under the same definition. Sharma also referred to earlier departures of senior AAP figures who had raised concerns about the party’s leadership and policies.
He said similar concerns are now being voiced by the MPs who recently resigned, but there has been no response from the party leadership. The statements follow seven of AAP’s 10 Rajya Sabha MPs resigning and joining the BJP, alleging that the party had moved away from its founding principles, a development that has intensified political exchanges in Punjab.
