JALANDHAR — In a move that has intensified the political battle in Punjab, the Bhagwant Mann-led government has officially withdrawn the Z+ security cover of Rajya Sabha MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh. The decision comes less than 48 hours after Singh, along with six other AAP lawmakers, defected to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Administrative Action or ‘Vendetta Politics’?
On Sunday morning, the Punjab Police recalled all security personnel stationed at Harbhajan Singh’s residence in Jalandhar. The government vehicle allotted to him was also withdrawn, and personnel were ordered to report back to headquarters immediately.
While the state government has not issued a formal statement on the withdrawal, the timing has drawn sharp criticism:
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Opposition View: The BJP and other opposition leaders have termed the move “naked vendetta politics,” designed to intimidate those who dissent from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
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Security Shift: In a swift counter-move, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly authorized CRPF protection for Harbhajan Singh after a fresh threat assessment. This follows a similar pattern seen with Raghav Chadha, who was granted Y-category security by the Centre last week after his state security was pulled.
The “7-MP Merger”: A Masterstroke or Betrayal?
Harbhajan Singh is part of a high-profile group of seven out of ten AAP Rajya Sabha members who have moved to the BJP. The group includes:
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Raghav Chadha (Group Leader)
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Harbhajan Singh
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Swati Maliwal
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Sandeep Pathak
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Ashok Mittal (LPU Chancellor)
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Rajinder Gupta (Trident Group Chairman)
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Vikramjit Singh Sahney
By moving as a two-thirds bloc, the group is protected by the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law), which allows a “merger” with another party if 2/3rd of the legislative members agree. This maneuver prevents them from being disqualified as MPs, effectively decimating AAP’s strength in the Upper House.
Unrest on the Streets: “Gaddar” Graffiti
The political defection has triggered widespread anger among AAP supporters across Punjab. Protests turned volatile on Saturday and Sunday:
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Jalandhar: AAP workers gathered outside Harbhajan Singh’s residence and the gates of Lovely Professional University (LPU), where they used black spray paint to write the word “Gaddar” (Traitor) on the walls.
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Ludhiana: Effigies of MP Rajinder Gupta were burnt by the AAP Youth Wing, who accused the leaders of “selling Punjab’s mandate to the saffron party.”
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Clashes: Minor scuffles were reported between police and protesters in Jalandhar as workers attempted to smear black ink on posters of the defecting MPs.
The Road Ahead
The AAP leadership, including Sanjay Singh, has called the move a “betrayal of Arvind Kejriwal’s trust” and hinted at legal challenges against the merger. However, with the numbers favouring the defectors, the BJP has significantly bolstered its presence in Punjab ahead of the 2027 state elections.
“We have decided to work under the leadership of PM Modi to propel Punjab into a new era of growth. The values we started with in AAP have been compromised,” stated Raghav Chadha during the induction ceremony in New Delhi.
City E News Editorial Note: The situation remains fluid as more protests are expected across the Malwa and Majha regions. Stay tuned for live updates.
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