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New Delhi/Chandigarh: Senior advocate and former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Harvinder Singh Phoolka formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday in Delhi, marking his return to active politics after several years.
Phoolka, who had resigned from AAP in 2019 to focus on legal battles related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, was inducted into the BJP in the presence of senior party leaders Sunil Jakhar and Ashwani Sharma. Supporters and members of the human rights community were also present during the ceremony.
Bhagwant Mann Criticises Move
Reacting sharply, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that while AAP had appointed Phoolka as Leader of Opposition in 2017, he later resigned from both posts, including as Dakha MLA. “I have never seen a person who breaches the trust of those who elected him ever win again in elections. But all the best to him,” Mann said.
Political Shift After Failed Regional Alignment
Before joining the BJP, Phoolka had explored aligning with the Shiromani Akali Dal and, in December 2024, had spoken about strengthening a regional political alternative in Punjab. However, that plan did not materialise, leading to his entry into the BJP.
Significance Ahead of 2027 Elections
Political observers view Phoolka’s move as a strategic gain for the BJP in Punjab, particularly ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Known for his legal expertise and advocacy in human rights cases, especially those related to the 1984 riots, his entry is expected to strengthen the party’s outreach among certain voter segments.
Phoolka had earlier served as MLA from Dakha and was regarded as one of AAP’s prominent faces during its initial expansion in Punjab. His return to electoral politics signals a renewed attempt to play an active role in the state’s evolving political landscape.
