Swati Maliwal joins BJP, rattled AAP calls Punjab MLAs meeting

Amid signs of internal strain within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). AAP leadership moved swiftly to contain dissence in Punjab by convening a crucial meeting of its legislators in Jalandhar.

The development comes in the backdrop of the Raghav Chadha incident, prompting concerns of a potential split in its Punjab unit.

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In response, AAP’s Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia has summoned all MLAs, along with block observers and heads of frontal organisations, for a meeting scheduled on April 29.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is also expected to attend the meeting. While the official agenda has not been disclosed, party sources indicated that the leadership is likely to assess the sentiments of legislators and address internal grievances following recent political developments.

The meeting assumes significance as it follows earlier reports of friction within the party ranks. A previous meeting in Jalandhar had reportedly seen the Chief Minister reprimanding certain MLAs over allegations of accepting small bribes, a claim that had drawn media attention.

Meanwhile, after joining the BJP, Maliwal said she was influenced by the work of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. She asserted that her decision was voluntary and not driven by compulsion, adding that she had been closely observing the party’s functioning for a long time.

Launching a sharp attack on AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Maliwal dismissed his recent “satyagraha” announcement as “drama”, alleging that such tactics have become synonymous with both Kejriwal and the party. She further accused AAP of being associated with “falsehood, hooliganism and corruption” across the country.

Reacting to the political developments, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that a major press conference would be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, where key issues would be addressed publicly.

The party’s internal challenges are further underscored by the continued discontent of Amritsar MLA Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, a former IPS officer, who has been openly critical of the government over the Bargari sacrilege case and has also raised questions against Kejriwal. Despite his dissent, the party has not taken disciplinary action against him.

Similarly, Kharar MLA Anmol Gagan Maan had earlier announced her decision to step away from active politics after being removed from the cabinet, reflecting dissatisfaction among some leaders. However, she later resumed political activity following intervention by Punjab AAP president Aman Arora.

Political observers note that as many as nine ministers have been dropped from the state cabinet, which may have contributed to simmering discontent within the party. Those who have been removed include Anmol Gagan Maan, Chetan Singh Jouramajra, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Brahm Shankar Jimpa, Balkar Singh, Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Fauja Singh Sarari, Vijay Singla, and Laljit Bhullar. Bhullar is currently lodged in jail in connection with a case related to the alleged suicide of a government official.

With mounting political pressure and organisational challenges, the upcoming meeting in Jalandhar is expected to play a key role in shaping AAP’s strategy to maintain unity in its Punjab unit ahead of future electoral battles.