Who is Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and why did he switch to BJP?

Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra’s political journey has entered a new phase with his exit from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and induction into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), bringing renewed attention to his political career, constituency influence, and changing party affiliations ahead of Punjab’s 2027 Assembly elections.

The Sanaur legislator’s latest political move follows developments within AAP that raised questions about his electoral prospects. The party recently announced its first list of 40 candidates for the next Assembly elections and appointed Ranjodh Hadana as constituency in-charge of Sanaur, a development that fuelled speculation over Pathanmajra’s political future.

 Explaining his decision, Pathanmajra referred to Punjab’s development needs, the drug problem, the state’s financial condition and farmers’ concerns. He also indicated his intention to contest from Sanaur in the next Assembly election.

From local politics to the Assembly

Pathanmajra’s political roots lie in grassroots politics in the Patiala region. Born on August 14, 1975, in Patiala, he belongs to Majra Khurd village and comes from an agricultural and business background. His educational qualification is recorded as 10+2 in election-profile information.

He entered politics through the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), where he was associated with its youth organisation. His involvement in local political structures, including his tenure as a Block Samiti chairman, helped establish his presence in the region.

His political affiliations subsequently underwent several changes. After an association with the People’s Party of Punjab, he returned to SAD. In 2017, following the denial of a Congress ticket, he contested the Assembly election as an Independent candidate but failed to secure victory.

His association with AAP eventually brought him electoral success. The political journey, however, continued to be marked by changes in party allegiance.

Electoral breakthrough in Sanaur

The 2022 Punjab Assembly elections proved a turning point for Pathanmajra. Contesting on an AAP ticket, he won the Sanaur constituency and defeated SAD candidate Harinder Pal Singh Chandumajra by 49,112 votes.

The victory brought him into the Punjab Legislative Assembly and gave him a stronger position in district politics. His election affidavit for 2022 declared assets of approximately Rs 2.41 crore and liabilities of around Rs 4 lakh.

A legislator who questioned his own government

Pathanmajra attracted attention in 2025 when he publicly questioned the Punjab government’s handling of floods. His criticism focused on preparedness, desilting, embankment maintenance and administrative shortcomings.

The remarks placed him at odds with the Bhagwant Mann-led government and added to discussions about his relationship with the AAP leadership. Subsequent constituency-level organisational changes further complicated his position within the party.

Legal cases and political scrutiny

His political career has also been accompanied by legal controversies. A woman from Zirakpur accused him of sexual exploitation, cheating and criminal intimidation, following which an FIR was registered in Patiala in September 2025. Pathanmajra denied the allegations and described them as politically motivated.

After being declared a proclaimed offender, he was arrested near Gwalior in March 2026. The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted him regular bail in the rape case in May 2026, subject to conditions.

The case remains subject to judicial proceedings. The allegations against him have not been established through a final judicial determination, and the grant of bail does not constitute acquittal.

Another political chapter begins

Pathanmajra’s move to the BJP represents another significant change in his political trajectory. From his early association with SAD to his Assembly victory under AAP, his career reflects a series of political realignments.

With Punjab moving towards the 2027 elections, his future electoral prospects will depend on his political positioning, local support in Sanaur, and the BJP’s strategy in the state.

The latest shift places him in a new political camp, while his constituency presence, public statements, and legal proceedings continue to shape his public profile.