PTC Web Desk:  Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday met President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi, raising serious concerns over the recent defection of several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha members to the BJP. Calling the development a “mockery of democracy,” CM Mann urged constitutional safeguards, including the introduction of a “Right to Recall.”

Addressing the media after the meeting, Punjab CM Mann argued that isolated defections by a handful of members cannot justify a merger under constitutional provisions meant for larger legislative shifts. He maintained that such actions undermine the spirit of democratic representation.

The Punjab Chief Minister also questioned the growing numerical strength of the BJP in the Rajya Sabha from Punjab despite its limited presence in the state Assembly. “This raises serious constitutional concerns,” he said, adding that such political developments distort the mandate given by the electorate.

CM Mann arrived in the national capital earlier in the day accompanied by a large number of Punjab MLAs.

Former AAP MPs counter allegations

Before CM Mann’s meeting, former AAP leaders, including Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal  and Sandeep Pathak, also met the President. They accused the Punjab Government of misusing state machinery to target leaders who left the party.

Raghav Chadha alleged that the party had shifted from its anti-corruption stance to “politics of vendetta.” He claimed that leaders who were once praised for integrity were now being branded corrupt after their exit. He further warned that escalating political retaliation could have wider consequences.

The former MP also expressed concern over alleged attempts to initiate cases against him and others. Referring to the political landscape, Chadha remarked that while AAP governs one state, the BJP holds power in multiple states, hinting at the potential for a larger confrontation.

Sandeep Pathak said intimidation through legal action would not deter them.

CM Mann responds 

Responding to these claims, CM Mann dismissed the allegation of political vendetta and questioned whether references to “21 states’ police” were intended as threats. He asserted that any legal action in Punjab would be strictly within the framework of law.

CM Mann also criticised the defecting MPs for not resigning before switching parties. “If they intended to leave, they should have stepped down first. The party could have nominated others,” he said, calling the move a betrayal of public trust.

Reiterating his demand, Bhagwant Mann said voters should have the power to recall elected representatives who switch loyalties mid-term. He added that such reforms are necessary to protect democratic accountability.

The controversy has also intensified over security withdrawals and administrative actions. Following his exit from AAP, Chadha’s Z security cover provided by Punjab Police was withdrawn. He has since been assigned protection by central forces.

Similarly, former cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh also saw his security cover withdrawn after his political shift.

Meanwhile, industrialist Rajinder Gupta moved court against regulatory action on his business operations, alleging pressure tactics.

Reports of FIRs against Sandeep Pathak have added to the political friction, though official confirmation remains pending.