Two AAP MLAs Resign Following Candidate List Release in Punjab

In a surprising turn of events for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), two of its MLAs from Punjab, Chetan Singh Jouramajra and Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, have resigned from the party's primary membership. This announcement came on Sunday, just a day after AAP released its initial list of 40 candidates for the 2027 assembly elections. Both MLAs represent constituencies in Patiala district, with Jouramajra from Samana and Pathanmajra from Sanour.

The timing of these resignations raises questions about the internal dynamics within AAP as it gears up for the upcoming elections. The party has yet to officially declare candidates for the constituencies represented by the resigning MLAs. Notably, Surjit Singh Rakhra, a former Punjab minister, has been appointed as the constituency in-charge for Samana, leading to speculation that he may be a potential candidate for the seat.

Pathanmajra's resignation follows his previous criticisms of the AAP government in Punjab, indicating a growing discontent within the party ranks. His legal troubles add another layer to the situation; he is currently embroiled in a rape case that was filed in September of the previous year. The allegations include claims that he misrepresented his marital status to a woman from Zirakpur, leading to their marriage in 2021.

The Punjab Police apprehended Pathanmajra in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, in March 2023, after he had reportedly evaded police custody related to the ongoing investigation. In May, he was granted regular bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, but the case continues to cast a shadow over his political career and the party's image.

As AAP prepares for the 2027 assembly elections, these resignations could have significant implications for the party's strategy and candidate selection. The party's leadership will need to address these issues promptly to maintain its standing in Punjab's political landscape, especially with the upcoming elections on the horizon.