Cases Registered in Punjab Under Serious Charges
Two FIRs have been lodged in Punjab against former Aam Aadmi Party leader Sandeep Pathak, just days after he resigned from the party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party along with six Rajya Sabha MPs. Sources indicate that the cases, filed in separate districts, include non-bailable sections related to allegations of harassment and corruption.
Police Teams Visit Residence, Security Tightened
Punjab Police teams reportedly reached Pathak’s residence in New Delhi as part of the investigation, though he had already left before officials arrived. A separate team from Delhi Police also visited the premises, leading to increased security in the area.
Pathak Denies Knowledge of FIRs
Reacting to the developments, Pathak stated that he had no information about any FIRs and claimed that authorities had not contacted him. He maintained his stance, saying, “The country is bigger than any party – I will never betray it, nor allow anyone else to do so. If any action has been initiated against someone like me, it only shows how scared they are. I don’t wish to say anything further.”
Political Shift Deals Blow to AAP
Pathak, who has been a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab since 2022, was widely seen as a key strategist behind AAP’s victory in the 2022 state assembly elections. His exit, along with other MPs including Raghav Chadha, is being viewed as a significant setback for the party led by Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the next Punjab Assembly elections.
Exit Justified as ‘Difficult to Continue’
Explaining his decision earlier, Pathak said he had worked with AAP for a decade but found it increasingly difficult to continue due to internal challenges. He stated that his move to the BJP was driven by a desire to continue working for the country, adding that all his past decisions were taken in the party’s interest.
AAP Leadership on Defensive; Mann to Meet President
The political fallout continues to grow, with analysts suggesting that the developments could impact AAP’s prospects in Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is set to meet Droupadi Murmu on May 5, seeking action regarding the Rajya Sabha MPs who switched allegiance.
