Two AAP MLAs Resign, Expected to Join BJP Amid Party Dissent

Two sitting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs, Chetan Singh Jouramajra from Samana and Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra from Sanaur, have resigned from the party's primary membership shortly after the announcement of its candidate list for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Both MLAs are expected to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Their resignations are the first indications of dissent within the AAP, as neither MLA was included in the candidate list. The party had appointed new constituency in-charges for their respective areas, suggesting a shift in candidate selection. Ranjod Hadana was named the in-charge for Sanaur, while Surjit Singh Rakhra, a former senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader, was appointed for Samana, a move that reportedly displeased Jouramajra.

Jouramajra announced his resignation on Facebook, stating, "I, Chetan Singh Jouramajra, resign from the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party." Pathanmajra also confirmed his resignation, saying, "I submit my resignation from the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party with immediate effect." Jouramajra expressed his discontent with the party, mentioning, "The situation in Punjab is heartbreaking."

Pathanmajra has faced controversy due to a rape case against him, which has raised questions about his political future. Jouramajra, a former Cabinet minister, was removed during a recent Cabinet reshuffle, further contributing to his dissatisfaction with the party as it reorganizes its leadership ahead of the elections. The resignations have sparked political turmoil in their constituencies and across Punjab.