A day after announcing its first list of 40 candidates for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday suffered a twin blow as sitting MLAs Chetan Singh Jouramajra (Samana) and Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra (Sanaur) quit the party, accusing the Bhagwant Mann Government of failing to honour election promises, tackle Punjab’s drug crisis and deliver on key commitments.
Neither MLA was on the list, nor did both face uncertain renomination prospects amid changes in constituency-level leadership.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, the two legislators alleged that the Government had failed to fulfil promises to eradicate drugs, improve education and healthcare, and ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers’ crops.
They claimed that narcotics remained easily available across Punjab, while people battling addiction were being booked by the police instead of being sent to de-addiction centres for treatment. “I have resigned. I don’t have my heart in the party. The situation of Punjab is heartbreaking,” Jouramajra, a former Cabinet minister, said.
Pathanmajra, meanwhile, accused the party’s Delhi leadership of calling the shots while projecting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as the face of the Government.
The resignations followed AAP’s appointment of new constituency in-charges in both seats, signalling a possible change in candidates. Former Akali leader Surjit Singh Rakhra was appointed in-charge for Samana, while Ranjod Hadana was given the responsibility for Sanaur. The party has yet to announce candidates for either constituency.
AAP leaders dismissed the exits, claiming the two MLAs had already been sidelined over their conduct. They also accused the BJP of attempting to induct disgruntled leaders from other parties. The twin resignations have exposed internal discontent as AAP begins preparations for the 2027 polls.