Punjab govt withdraws MP Harbhajan Singhs security days after BJP shift, Centre gives CRPF cover

PTC News Desk: Punjab government on Sunday withdrew the security cover provided to MP Harbhajan Singh, days after his defection to BJP. 

The development comes days after Harbhajan Singh along with six other MPs merged with the BJP, inflicting  a major blow to Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party. 

Security personnel deployed outside Harbhajan's residence were also removed after removing the security cover. 

Meanwhile, the Centre provided CRPF security cover to Harbhajan Singh.

Soon after his cover was withdrawn by the Punjab government, CRPF security personnel were deployed outside his residence in Jalandhar. 

Supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party protested on Saturday outside the homes of leaders who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. These protests took place in Ludhiana and Jalandhar, where workers spray-painted the word “Gaddar” (traitor) on the boundary walls of their houses.

The protests targeted leaders like Ashok Mittal and Rajinder Gupta, among others who switched sides.

A day earlier, Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak announced they were leaving AAP and joining the BJP along with five other MPs — Mittal, Singh, Gupta, Swati Maliwal and Vikramjit Sahney.

Chadha said the party led by Arvind Kejriwal had moved away from its original values and principles, which is why they decided to join the BJP as a group.