AAP faces setback in Punjab as 2 MLAs resign ahead of 2027 elections

Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a setback in Punjab on Sunday after two of its legislators, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and Chetan Singh Jouramajra, quit the party and resigned from the state Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections.

Pathanmajra, who represents the Sanaur constituency in Patiala district, communicated his decision to party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal through a letter, announcing his immediate exit from the party's primary membership.

The first-time MLA has faced criminal charges, including rape, cheating and criminal intimidation. A case was registered against him in September 2025. He had allegedly evaded arrest after escaping from police custody and was later arrested upon returning to India from Australia to participate in the investigation.

Jouramajra, the MLA from Samana and a former state minister, announced his departure through a social media post.

His exit reportedly follows growing differences with the party leadership over the appointment of former Shiromani Akali Dal leader Surjit Singh Rakhra as the AAP's constituency in-charge in Samana. The move was seen as a setback to Jouramajra's position in his Assembly constituency.

The twin resignations come as AAP prepares for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, adding to the political challenges facing the ruling party in the state.

With IANS inputs