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Two FIRs against Sandeep Pathak in Punjab as BJP calls it vendetta politics
Two FIRs were registered against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak in Punjab days after he quit the AAP to join the BJP. Pathak was among seven AAP MPs who switching to the BJP, affecting the party’s Rajya Sabha strength ahead of Punjab elections. The BJP framed the move as vendetta politics, prompting reactions from party spokespeople and leaders.
Why It Matters
The developments highlight the ongoing political contest between AAP and BJP in Punjab and signal potential tensions that could influence party dynamics ahead of state elections.
Timeline
7 Events
Poonawalla notes other former AAP leaders were hounded after exiting
May 2, 2026
Poonawalla claimed that several former AAP leaders, including Yogendra Yadav, Mayank Gandhi, Ashish Khetan, Ashutosh and Alka Lamba, were previously hounded after exiting the party.
BJP reaction: Tarun Chugh comments on vindictive actions
May 2, 2026
BJP leader Tarun Chugh said there is an atmosphere of resentment against the AAP government and described the actions as vindictive, asserting that Punjab will not be intimidated.
BJP reaction: Poonawalla accuses vendetta politics
May 2, 2026
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X alleging that Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann are engaging in vendetta politics and using state machinery for political ends. He questioned the timing of the FIRs and suggested no new material had surfaced.
AAP Rajya Sabha strength reduced from 10 to 3
May 2, 2026
The exit of seven Rajya Sabha MPs significantly reduced AAP’s Rajya Sabha strength from 10 to three ahead of the Punjab elections.
Pathak among seven RS MPs who left AAP for BJP
May 2, 2026
Pathak was among seven Rajya Sabha MPs who recently left the AAP and merged with the BJP. The others include Raghav Chadha, Swati Maliwal, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Sahney, Harbhajan Singh and Ashok Mittal.
Two FIRs registered against Sandeep Pathak in Punjab
May 2, 2026
Two FIRs were filed against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak in Punjab, days after he quit the Aam Aadmi Party to join the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Punjab Pollution Control Board raid on Dhaula unit of Trident Group linked to Rajinder Gupta
April 2026
The Punjab Pollution Control Board carried out a raid at the Dhaula unit of the Trident Group, a unit linked to Rajinder Gupta, a Rajya Sabha MP who, like Pathak, switched from AAP to BJP. The BJP later rejected charges connected to this action.