Ruling AAP acts against own MLA, sends message of clean governance

The police action against Aam Aadmi Party’s Sanaur MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, who has been booked on rape charge, is being seen as a strategic move by the ruling party to reinforce its image of integrity ahead of the next year’s Assembly elections.

Related news: Justice denied, vendetta served: Bajwa slams Mann govt over Pathanmajra FIR

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AAP Sanaur MLA Pathanmajra’s security cover withdrawn a day after he questions own party govt

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Seventeen months before the Vidhan Sabha elections and just before the anticipated Tarn Taran bypoll, the party leadership has chosen not to shield Pathanmajra, rejecting his reported pleas for immunity after a woman lodged a police complaint on August 26.

The decision comes amid internal and external scrutiny, with Opposition parties gearing up to pose a strong challenge to AAP in the upcoming bypoll, being seen as a preview to the 2027 Assembly contest.

Pathanmajra allegedly sought support from AAP leaders, but, according to sources, was rebuffed. He subsequently began criticising his own party’s government. “There is no protection against wrongdoing in AAP. Allegations against the MLA are personal, but he tried to divert attention by alleging that flood protection work was not being done. He did so after the party top bosses refused to help him. AAP stands firm on ethical issues,” said AAP leader Baltej Pannu.

Despite Pathanmajra’s reputation as “fuffad” (uncle) in both AAP and government circles — due to his claimed connection to CM’s wife — action was taken against him. This signals a commitment from the CM and party to “shed the dead wood” and promote leaders with a “clean image”. The move sends a message to around 10 other MLAs who have reportedly strayed from party line on various issue or faced complaints of financial or moral misconduct.

This is not the first instance of AAP taking action against its own ranks. Following its ascent to power and prior to the Sangrur bypoll in 2022, the party arrested minister Dr Vijay Singla on corruption allegations — a case later dismissed in the court. In May this year, Jalandhar (Central) MLA Raman Arora was arrested on corruption charge, and two ministers were dropped from the Mann cabinet last year following similar accusations.