Fresh Setback For AAP, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s Cousin Gyan Singh Mann Switches To BJP

Ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a major setback on Monday after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s cousin, Gyan Singh Mann, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Gyan Singh Mann joined the BJP in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar.

Following his induction into the party, a press conference was held during which Saini launched a sharp attack on the Mann-led Punjab government. Gyan Singh Mann also addressed the media and shared his views after formally joining the BJP.

( Gyan Singh Mann with Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar: Photo/ANI)

Earlier in the day, Gyan Singh Mann arrived at the BJP office in Chandigarh, where he was welcomed by Sunil Jakhar. His move immediately sparked political speculation, with many viewing it as a significant political gain for the BJP within the Punjab Chief Minister’s extended family.

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The development comes a month after AAP MPs Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal quit the party and joined the BJP in the presence of senior party leaders. Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahney and Swati Maliwal had also later joined the BJP.

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Following these political shifts, Punjab has witnessed heightened political activity, with CM Bhagwant Mann accusing the BJP of using central investigative agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Income Tax Department, against opposition leaders.