Sangrur (Punjab): A fresh political controversy has surfaced in Punjab after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Narinder Kaur Bharaj alleged that she was approached with an offer to switch sides and contest the 2027 Assembly elections on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket.
Addressing reporters, the Sangrur MLA claimed that Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini had extended the proposal. Bharaj asserted that she firmly declined the offer, emphasizing that AAP representatives remain committed to their party’s principles.
She stated that AAP leaders cannot be enticed or pressured into changing loyalties and urged the BJP not to assume that its political strategies would succeed in Punjab. According to her, the party stands united and guided by ideology rather than personal gain.
Punjab AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu also reacted sharply to the development, accusing the BJP of attempting to engineer defections in opposition ranks. Referring to what opposition parties often call “Operation Lotus,” Pannu said such tactics would not work in Punjab and that AAP’s leadership in the state remains intact.
The BJP, however, rejected the allegations outright. Haryana BJP leader Virendra Chauhan dismissed the claims as unfounded and accused AAP of circulating misinformation. He maintained that the BJP is driven by ideology and welcomes individuals who share its nationalist beliefs, but denied any attempt to lure sitting legislators. Chauhan further said that no evidence had been presented to substantiate the accusation.
The exchange has added to the growing political friction in Punjab as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 state elections.
