New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh launched a sharp counterattack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging a large-scale “Operation Lotus” aimed at destabilising the Bhagwant Mann-led government in Punjab and breaking AAP’s Rajya Sabha ranks.
Addressing a press conference, Singh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of indulging in “cheap politics” to disrupt a government that, according to him, has been delivering key welfare measures in Punjab. He highlighted initiatives such as 300 units of free electricity, improved education systems, water supply to long-neglected canals, financial assistance to women, and free treatment up to ₹1 lakh for serious illnesses.
Singh alleged that despite these efforts, the BJP is attempting to “break and weaken” the AAP government by engineering defections. Referring to reports of multiple AAP Rajya Sabha MPs shifting allegiance, he said, “Seven MPs have been lured or pressured into joining the BJP. This is nothing but betrayal of the people of Punjab.”
He named several leaders, including Raghav Chadha, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney, Ashok Mittal, and Swati Maliwal, accusing them of turning their backs on the party and the people who elevated them to Parliament. “The people of Punjab gave them respect and opportunities. They will never forgive this betrayal,” Singh said.
Taking a direct swipe at Raghav Chadha’s remarks about leaving AAP over alleged corruption, Singh questioned the credibility of such claims. “You are joining a party which, in our view, represents organised corruption. How can you speak of honesty after aligning with them?” he asked.
The AAP leader further alleged misuse of central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and CBI, claiming that recent raids and investigations were being used to pressure leaders into switching sides. “Just days ago, ED raids were conducted, and soon after, leaders moved to BJP. The pattern is clear,” he said.
Singh insisted that this was a coordinated political strategy to weaken AAP ahead of upcoming elections in Punjab. “This is an attempt to stop the good work being done by the Bhagwant Mann government. But the people of Punjab are watching everything closely,” he added.
He also dismissed criticism that AAP had deviated from its principles, asserting that leaders from diverse professional backgrounds had joined the party with the aim of building a corruption-free India. “Arvind Kejriwal himself left a prestigious career to serve the nation. Many others made similar sacrifices. These allegations hold no ground,” he said.
Concluding his address, Singh warned that the people of Punjab would give a “befitting reply” to what he termed as betrayal and political manipulation. “Whenever the people have been deceived, they have responded strongly. This time too, Punjab will answer,” he said.
