‘Gaddar’ graffiti, posters torn as protests erupt after AAP MPs’ BJP merger sparks outrage in Punjab

Chandigarh: Tensions escalated in Punjab after reports that several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MPs aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), triggering protests by party workers across multiple locations.

Demonstrators expressed anger against the leaders, including former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, by writing “gaddar (traitor)” on walls and gates of residences and public spaces linked to the MPs. Similar slogans were also seen outside properties associated with other leaders, including Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal.

Protesters reportedly tore posters and raised slogans condemning the MPs, accusing them of betraying Punjab’s interests. Visuals from several locations in Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Phagwara showed graffiti and damaged posters as tensions spread across the state.

The controversy involves senior Rajya Sabha members including Raghav Chadha, Swati Maliwal, Vikram Singh Sahney, Sandeep Pathak and Rajinder Gupta, who have been at the centre of political debate following the reported shift.

AAP’s Punjab unit described the developments as betrayal and organised demonstrations across the state, while party leaders alleged political instability and targeted criticism of the BJP’s role.

In response, Chadha rejected claims that the MPs acted out of fear, stating that their decision came after dissatisfaction with AAP’s direction and what he described as a departure from its core principles.