Chandigarh, June 4: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using opposition leaders for political advantage and later sidelining them once their purpose is served. Senior AAP leader and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema alleged that the BJP has adopted a “use and throw” approach towards leaders who join the party from other political organisations.
In a statement, Cheema claimed that the BJP is attempting to strengthen its presence in Punjab by inducting leaders from rival parties rather than building its support base organically. He alleged that many opposition leaders are being used to create a perception of political growth before being pushed to the sidelines.
AAP Targets BJP’s Political Strategy
Harpal Singh Cheema said the BJP has turned politics into a platform driven by opportunism, where ideology, loyalty and public mandate are often overlooked in pursuit of power.
Referring to political leaders who have joined the BJP in recent years, Cheema claimed that such examples reflect the party’s approach towards opposition leaders. He alleged that once these leaders have served their immediate political purpose, they are gradually marginalised.
According to Cheema, Punjab’s voters are politically aware and capable of understanding the motives behind such political developments. He stated that the people of the state would evaluate political parties based on their actions and policies rather than individual political defections.
AAP Reaffirms Commitment to Punjab
The senior AAP leader further claimed that Punjab’s interests, particularly those related to farmers and youth, should remain the primary focus of political parties operating in the state.
Cheema said AAP believes in serving the people through governance and public welfare measures rather than political manoeuvring. He added that the party, under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains committed to protecting the rights, dignity and prosperity of the people of Punjab.
The statement was issued by AAP as part of its criticism of the BJP’s political functioning. There was no immediate response from the BJP regarding the allegations made by the AAP leader.
