Punjab Elections: Two AAP MLAs Quit Party After First Candidate List, Set to Join BJP

Punjab Elections: Two AAP MLAs Resign After First Candidate List, Join BJP Ahead of 2027 Polls

The political atmosphere in Punjab has heated up ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, with two sitting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs resigning from the party shortly after its first candidate list was announced. Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, MLA from Sanaur, and Chetan Singh Jouramajra, MLA from Samana, resigned from AAP on November 1, 2026. Both leaders subsequently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi on November 2. The development comes at a crucial time as political parties begin preparing their strategies for the 2027 Punjab Elections. Their departure has also raised questions about internal differences within the ruling party and its candidate-selection strategy.

Why Did Two AAP MLAs Resign After the First Candidate List?

The resignations came just one day after AAP released its first list of 40 candidates for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

Interestingly, neither Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra nor Chetan Singh Jouramajra featured in the announced list. All 40 candidates named in the first announcement were sitting MLAs, but the absence of these two legislators attracted attention.

The party had also appointed new constituency in-charges in their respective constituencies, indicating that changes in candidate selection could be under consideration.

Ranjodh Singh Hadana was appointed in-charge of Sanaur, while former Shiromani Akali Dal leader Surjit Singh Rakhra was given responsibility for Samana.

These developments reportedly contributed to dissatisfaction among the two legislators, eventually leading to their resignations.

Who Are Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and Chetan Singh Jouramajra?

Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra represents the Sanaur Assembly constituency in Patiala district. His political relationship with the AAP leadership had reportedly become strained over several issues.

He had previously criticised aspects of the state government’s functioning, including its handling of floods and concerns relating to his constituency. He has also faced criminal proceedings, including a rape case registered against him in September 2025. The allegations remain subject to the legal process.

Chetan Singh Jouramajra represents Samana and previously served as a Cabinet minister in the Bhagwant Mann government. However, he was removed from the Council of Ministers during a Cabinet reshuffle.

His removal and the appointment of another leader as Samana constituency in-charge reportedly contributed to dissatisfaction within the party.

Following his resignation, Jouramajra expressed disappointment with the political situation in Punjab and said that he no longer felt comfortable continuing in AAP.

Two Former AAP MLAs Join BJP in Delhi

On November 2, 2026, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and Chetan Singh Jouramajra formally joined the BJP at its headquarters in New Delhi.

Their induction was accompanied by political activity and slogans supporting the BJP. The development represents a change in political affiliation for both legislators ahead of the next Assembly elections.

Another former AAP legislator, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, also joined the BJP on the same day. He had resigned from the Punjab Assembly earlier on November 2.

Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh is a former IPS officer who represented Amritsar North. His decision to leave AAP added another dimension to the political developments in the state.

The entry of these leaders into the BJP comes as the party continues to prepare for the upcoming electoral contest in Punjab.

What Did AAP Leaders Say About the Resignations?

The resignations have triggered reactions from AAP leaders in Punjab.

AAP representatives criticised the departing legislators and questioned the BJP’s decision to induct leaders who had previously been suspended or sidelined by their former party.

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Punjab AAP president Aman Arora also criticised the BJP, arguing that the party was relying on leaders leaving other political organisations instead of building its own leadership base in the state.

AAP general secretary Baltej Pannu stated that the party had already taken action against the two legislators and had sidelined them over their activities.

The party has also announced that it will approach the Punjab Assembly Speaker seeking cancellation of their legislative membership following their resignation from AAP.

The legal and constitutional position concerning their Assembly membership will depend on the applicable anti-defection provisions and the Speaker’s decision.

AAP’s First List of 40 Candidates for Punjab Elections 2027

Before the resignations, AAP had announced its first list of 40 candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections.

The list included several prominent leaders from the Bhagwant Mann government and other sitting legislators.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been named as the candidate from Dhuri. Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan will contest from Kotkapura.

The list also includes four women legislators: Baljinder Kaur from Talwandi Sabo, Inderjit Kaur Mann from Nakodar, Santosh Kataria from Balachaur and Amandeep Kaur Arora from Moga.

The early announcement indicates that AAP has started preparing its electoral strategy well ahead of the 2027 elections.

What Do These Political Developments Mean for Punjab Elections 2027?

The departure of three AAP legislators and their move towards the BJP has brought renewed attention to political alignments in Punjab.

For AAP, the developments come at a time when it is announcing candidates and reorganising its constituency-level leadership. The resignations also highlight disagreements surrounding ticket distribution and internal party decisions.

For the BJP, the induction of these leaders adds new political figures to its preparations for the next Assembly elections.

Meanwhile, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal will also be part of the wider electoral contest as political parties prepare to compete across Punjab’s 117 Assembly constituencies.

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Conclusion: Punjab Elections Witness Fresh Political Changes as AAP Leaders Join BJP

The latest developments ahead of the Punjab Elections 2027 have brought fresh attention to AAP’s internal political situation. Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and Chetan Singh Jouramajra resigned after the party announced its first list of 40 candidates and subsequently joined the BJP on November 2. Former AAP MLA Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh also joined the BJP on the same day.

With candidate announcements, political resignations and party switches taking place, Punjab’s electoral preparations are gaining momentum. The coming months will reveal how these developments influence party strategies, constituency-level politics and the wider political contest in the state. Stay connected with One World News for the latest Punjab political news and election updates.

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