Jalandhar erupted in political drama on Saturday as Punjab authorities pulled the plug on security for cricket legend Harbhajan Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP elected on an AAP ticket. The move follows explosive claims by defected AAP leader Raghav Chadha about a mass exodus to the BJP.
According to Harbhajan’s PA, Mandeep Singh, the Z-plus cover – typically reserved for high-threat individuals – has been entirely withdrawn. Guards who had been a fixture outside his Jalandhar home are gone, leaving the former spinner without state protection.
Chadha’s bold assertion that he, Harbhajan, and five other AAP Rajya Sabha MPs are jumping ship to BJP has ignited a firestorm. AAP’s top brass responded with scathing press briefings, labeling the group as betrayers. The anger spilled onto the streets, with cadres protesting vehemently.
Vandalism marred the demonstrations: AAP supporters defaced Harbhajan’s property with ‘gaddar’ (traitor) graffiti using spray paint. Similar acts targeted homes of Ashok Mittal and Rajinder Gupta, signaling deep rifts within the party.
Harbhajan, known for his off-spin wizardry and outspoken nature, has yet to address the controversy. The security revocation, timed perfectly with the defection buzz, fuels speculation of punitive measures by the AAP-led Punjab government.
As Punjab’s political chessboard shifts, this episode highlights the volatile nature of alliances. Will Harbhajan confirm his BJP move, or is this a strategic silence? Observers await his response, which could alter the balance of power in the state’s upper house representation.
