Three AAP MLAs defect to BJP in Punjab political shift

Three AAP MLAs formally severed ties with the Aam Aadmi Party on November 1, 2026, signaling a potential shift in Punjab's political landscape. Among those resigning from party membership was a legislator who previously held ministerial office, underscoring the seniority of those departing the regional outfit.

The resignations come amid ongoing political competition in the state, where the AAP has faced pressure from the BJP and other regional parties. The defections represent a notable loss for the Arvind Kejriwal-led party, which has been working to consolidate its position across northern India.

While the lawmakers' formal induction into the BJP has not been officially announced, political observers view the simultaneous departures as indicative of planned party switches. Such cross-floor movements remain common in Indian politics, particularly during inter-election periods when legislators reassess their political affiliations.

The Punjab political arena has remained volatile since the 2022 assembly elections, with various parties jockeying for influence in the border state. These latest developments underscore the fluid nature of party dynamics in the region, where factional disputes and electoral calculations frequently trigger legislative realignments.