Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s cousin Gyan Singh joins the BJP

In a major political development for Punjab, Gyan Singh, the cousin of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday. The joining ceremony took place in Chandigarh in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini and Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar. Gyan Singh’s transition to the saffron party is significant as he previously served as a key campaign in-charge for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

The move is being viewed as a notable political setback for the ruling AAP, especially as the state prepares for upcoming civic body elections. Gyan Singh has been a vocal critic of the state administration in the past, despite his familial ties to the Chief Minister. He had notably raised concerns over the Punjab government’s handling of devastating floods, alleging that administrative lapses had intensified the hardships faced by the public.

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Throughout his tenure as an activist and former AAP strategist, Singh frequently used social media and public platforms to question major policy decisions, often taking stances that directly contradicted the state government’s official position. Political analysts suggest that his defection provides the BJP with fresh ammunition to target the AAP government regarding its internal functioning and governance.

Addressing the gathering during the joining, Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar welcomed Singh into the fold, noting that his experience and past involvement in state issues would strengthen the party’s presence in Punjab. With less than a year remaining for crucial electoral battles, this development is expected to intensify the ongoing political rivalry between the AAP and the BJP in the region.