Rumours, misinformation: AAP on Punjab MLAs, Chadha link

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh rejected claims that party MLAs in Punjab were in touch with the defectors, calling such reports “misinformation and rumours” aimed at destabilising the party.
“The public sentiment is against them for betraying AAP and Punjab,” he said, adding that protests were being held across the state against the departing MPs.
Sources indicate that as many as 63 Punjab MLAs are reportedly backing Raghav Chadha, raising speculation about a possible shift in the state’s political landscape.
Singh accused the BJP and Chadha of deliberately spreading these rumours and noted that protests are being held across Punjab against the “betrayal” by Chadha and other Rajya Sabha MPs who left AAP to join the BJP.
Singh said as he believes that no MLA would want to risk their future by aligning with them. “Would anyone wish to join him and risk their own membership being cancelled? Everyone understands this in politics,” Singh remarked.
Singh further alleged that the defections represent a betrayal of the people’s mandate, particularly in Punjab, as six of the seven departing members represent that state in the Upper House. Except for Maliwal, who is a Rajya Sabha MP from Delhi.
With the Punjab Assembly comprising 117 seats, any significant realignment could have major implications for the Bhagwant Mann-led government.
According to sources, if Chadha is able to garner support from more MLAs, it could potentially lead to a leadership challenge within the party in Punjab.
There are also indications in political circles that Chadha could emerge as a possible chief ministerial face, although no official confirmation has been made.
Earlier, around 15 to 18 MLAs were reportedly unhappy with the party and were in touch with other political outfits.