Punjab political crisis deepens after AAP MPs defect, FIRs filed against Sandeep Pathak
- Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs defect to BJP, altering Upper House numbers
- Punjab Police register FIRs against Sandeep Pathak under serious charges
- Police teams reportedly attempt to locate Pathak in Delhi
- BJP alleges political vendetta; opposition raises questions over timing
- AAP’s Rajya Sabha strength reduced sharply after merger acceptance
The political situation in Punjab has escalated following the defection of seven Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha members to the Bharatiya Janata Party, with fresh legal action against senior leader Sandeep Pathak adding to the confrontation between parties.
Punjab Police have registered two separate First Information Reports against Pathak in different districts. Officials have not released full details of the complaints, but initial reports indicate that the cases include non-bailable provisions linked to corruption allegations, as well as accusations relating to harassment of women. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the complainants or the precise sections invoked.
Police teams were reported to have visited Pathak’s residence in Delhi on May 2, though it remains unclear whether any formal arrest attempt was made. Pathak has stated that he is not aware of the FIRs and has denied wrongdoing, describing the developments as politically motivated.
The legal action comes days after a major shift in parliamentary alignment. Pathak, who played a central role in building the party’s electoral structure in Punjab, was among seven AAP Rajya Sabha members who joined the BJP. The group includes several prominent figures and constitutes more than two-thirds of the party’s strength in the Upper House.
The Rajya Sabha secretariat has accepted the merger, allowing the members to avoid disqualification under anti-defection provisions. As a result, AAP’s presence in the chamber has been reduced from ten members to three.
The timing of the FIRs has triggered a political dispute. Leaders of the BJP in Punjab have alleged that the cases are retaliatory, describing them as an attempt by the state government to target former party members after their defection. Party representatives have referred to the developments as politically driven action.
Leaders from other opposition parties have also questioned the sequence of events. Representatives of the Shiromani Akali Dal have asked why allegations were not pursued earlier when Pathak held a position of influence within the state’s political structure, suggesting selective enforcement.
Additional actions involving other defecting leaders have been cited in the ongoing debate. These include administrative decisions affecting security arrangements and enforcement activity involving associated business entities. Authorities have not formally linked these actions to the political developments.
The state government has not issued a detailed response addressing the allegations of political targeting. Officials have indicated that investigations will proceed in accordance with legal procedures.
The situation remains fluid, with both political and legal developments likely to shape the trajectory of the dispute in the coming days.