AAP burns effigies of defecting MPs, calls switch to BJP ‘Betrayal of Punjab’
Babushahi Bureau
Lehragaga (Punjab), April 26: A massive protest was held in Lehragaga under the leadership of Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal, where workers of the Aam Aadmi Party and local residents burnt effigies of Rajya Sabha MPs who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Addressing the gathering, Goyal accused the MPs of betraying the people of Punjab, stating that they were entrusted with positions by the party to serve the public but chose to switch sides for personal interests.
He also dismissed rumours about AAP MLAs joining the BJP, asserting that all legislators remain united and loyal under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann.
Targeting the BJP, Goyal alleged that the party lacks grassroots support in Punjab and is attempting to expand its base through tactics like “Operation Lotus” ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. He claimed that such strategies would not be accepted by the people of the state.
The minister further alleged that pressure from central agencies forced the defecting MPs to change their stance, adding that their exit would ultimately strengthen the AAP. Large numbers of party leaders, volunteers, and supporters participated in the protest.