Two Punjab AAP MLAs Quit Party Ahead of 2027 Polls

GG News Bureau
Chandigarh, 1st Nov: Two Punjab AAP MLAs have resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party’s primary membership, a day after the ruling party announced its first list of 40 candidates for the 2027 Assembly elections, adding to political activity within the party ahead of the polls.

The legislators are Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who represents Sanaur, and former Punjab Cabinet Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra, the MLA from Samana. Both confirmed their resignations on Sunday. Neither leader featured in the party’s first list.

Resignations Follow Candidate Announcement
The resignations came on October 31, a day after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced AAP’s first list of 40 candidates following a meeting of the party’s Political Affairs Committee in Delhi.

The list includes 40 sitting MLAs seeking re-election, with Mann again contesting from Dhuri. Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora has been fielded from Ludhiana West. Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan will contest from Kotkapura, while Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri has been named from Garhshankar.

Four women MLAs have also been renominated: Baljinder Kaur from Talwandi Sabo, Inderjit Kaur Mann from Nakodar, Santosh Kataria from Balachaur and Amandeep Kaur Arora from Moga.

Jouramajra’s Position in Samana
Jouramajra’s resignation comes amid developments concerning the party’s organisational structure in Samana. Former Shiromani Akali Dal leader Surjit Singh Rakhra was given responsibility as the party’s constituency in-charge, a move that reportedly raised concerns about Jouramajra’s position.

The former minister had also been dropped from the Punjab Cabinet during an earlier reshuffle. His resignation adds another dimension to the party’s preparations in the constituency.

Pathanmajra’s Differences with Party Leadership
Pathanmajra had been involved in disagreements with the party leadership, including over the government’s handling of floods and issues concerning his constituency.

He has also faced a criminal case, which has remained part of the controversy surrounding his political position. His resignation follows a period of strained relations with the party leadership.

AAP Begins Early Preparations for 2027
Announcing the first list ahead of other major political parties, Mann said the early declaration reflected AAP’s preparations, transparency and confidence in the work of the Punjab government.

The Assembly elections are due in early 2027. The resignations of the two legislators come as AAP begins finalising its electoral and constituency-level arrangements.