Former AAP leader Jeet Lal Bhatti joins BJP; Kewal Dhillon says party growing stronger in state; Watch Video
Prabh Sidhu
Chandigarh, June 27, 2026: Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Saturday asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is steadily expanding its support base in the state, announcing the induction of former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Jeet Lal Bhatti into the party.
Bhatti, who contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections from the Adampur Assembly constituency on an AAP ticket and later served as the party's constituency in-charge, formally joined the BJP in the presence of senior party leaders.
Addressing a press conference, Dhillon said the BJP continues to attract leaders from other political parties because it values and respects its workers. He claimed that AAP leaders have been leaving the party one after another, reflecting growing dissatisfaction within its ranks.
Highlighting the BJP's governance record, Dhillon said the party is in power in 22 states across the country and is committed to bringing development-driven and transparent governance to Punjab. He said the BJP draws inspiration from the administration of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, whose inclusive style of governance remains a model for the party.
To mark the 187th death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the BJP is organising three to four commemorative programmes in each of Punjab's 117 Assembly constituencies, he said. BJP leaders also paid floral tributes to the Sikh ruler at the party's state headquarters.
Commenting on the proposed Maharashtra legislation concerning Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, Dhillon said concerns had been raised by the Sikh community regarding the proposed Act. He said he spoke with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who assured him that the sentiments of the Sikh community would be fully respected.
According to Dhillon, the Maharashtra government has deputed Chandrashekhar Bawankule to hold consultations with Sikh representatives and will constitute a committee to examine the matter before taking any final decision.
Targeting the Punjab government over its financial management, Dhillon alleged that the Bhagwant Mann-led administration is preparing to raise another ₹1,500 crore in loans. He claimed that the state government has borrowed nearly ₹78,000 crore during its tenure, significantly increasing Punjab's debt burden.
Dhillon also dismissed speculation about a possible revival of the BJP's alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). He said there is no proposal for an alliance at present and asserted that the BJP is focused on strengthening its organisation and expanding independently in Punjab.