The three leaders’ departure comes amid growing discontent within the AAP’s Punjab unit. Although their individual circumstances differ, their exits have exposed tensions between some sitting legislators and the party leadership.
Jouramajra and Pathanmajra announced their resignations from the party a day after the AAP released its first list of 40 candidates for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The party had not named candidates for either Samana or Sanaur in that list.
It had, however, appointed new constituency in-charges for both seats. Surjit Singh Rakhra was given responsibility for Samana, while Ranjod Hadana was appointed constituency in-charge for Sanaur. These decisions fuelled speculation that the two sitting MLAs might not be considered for renomination.
Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh’s departure followed a longer period of disagreement with the party. Having already been suspended in 2025, he had remained critical of the state government’s functioning and its handling of several issues.
The BJP’s induction of all three leaders marks a significant political development ahead of the 2027 elections. It also gives the party an opportunity to strengthen its presence in Punjab by bringing in politicians with experience in the state’s legislative and administrative systems.
What triggered the political shake-up ahead of the 2027 Punjab elections?
The timing of the three leaders’ exit is significant because the AAP has already started preparing for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
On October 31, the party announced its first list of 40 candidates. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was named as the candidate from Dhuri, while Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan was nominated from Kotkapura. The list also included several ministers and other sitting legislators.
The announcement was followed by the resignations of Jouramajra and Pathanmajra, whose constituencies were not included in the list. The appointment of alternative constituency in-charges in Samana and Sanaur had further fuelled speculation about changes in the party’s candidate selection.
(With inputs from agencies)