Former AAP leader HS Phoolka joins BJP

Senior Supreme Court advocate and former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader HS Phoolka, best known for representing 1984 anti-Sikh riots victims in their quest for justice, joined the BJP on Wednesday. The move is being seen as a shot in the BJP’s arm as it gears up to oust the AAP Government from Punjab in the Assembly polls due next year.

Phoolka joined the party in the presence of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh, Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar and party chief spokesperson Anil Baluni.

Welcoming Phoolka into the BJP fold, Puri said his induction would add strength to the party.

“His joining will further strengthen the party and our efforts in Punjab,” he said, describing Phoolka’s entry as a significant addition to the party’s commitment to justice and accountability and citing his contribution in helping victims of the riots get justice. Chugh also expressed confidence that his entry would bolster the BJP’s organisation in the state.

The BJP, Phoolka said, had consistently backed his legal fight for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. Only the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi can address the challenges Punjab is facing under the AAP rule, he added.