Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday took the battle over defections in Punjab to the highest constitutional office, meeting the President and demanding immediate cancellation of the membership of “Punjab de Gaddar” (defectors) Rajya Sabha MPs. Leading a unified show of strength, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann arrived in Delhi along with MLAs from Punjab and submitted a signed memorandum at Rashtrapati Bhavan, asserting that the dramatic rise in the BJP’s Rajya Sabha numbers despite having just two MLAs in Punjab represents a blatant distortion of the democratic mandate.
Calling the seven MPs “not elected but selected,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann declared their switch as a betrayal of Punjab rather than an act of political choice, challenged them to resign and seek a fresh mandate, and warned that neither central agencies nor political power would shield wrongdoing, while firmly declaring that attempts like “Operation Lotus” would never succeed in a state that does not tolerate betrayal.
Sharing a few snippets from the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Today in Delhi, before the Hon’ble President, we firmly raised our voice against the ‘murder of democracy’ taking place in the country. The unconstitutional breaking of political parties and the misuse of central agencies like the ED and CBI to cleanse tainted leaders in the BJP’s ‘washing machine’ is a direct assault on our democratic framework.”
“We have made it absolutely clear that the disgraceful tactics of ‘Operation Lotus’ will never succeed in Punjab. Our MLAs represent the voice of millions of Punjabis, and the people of Punjab will never tolerate betrayal. As ‘your public servant’, I assure every Punjabi that we will fight till our last breath to protect the people’s mandate and uphold constitutional values,” the post concluded.
Addressing the media after the meeting with the President, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Murder of democracy has taken place as seven MPs of Rajya Sabha have defected. It is unconstitutional as either the entire party should have passed a resolution, but these seven MPs switched their loyalty unconstitutionally, thereby making a mockery of democracy.” He added, “The BJP has two MLAs but seven Rajya Sabha MPs, which is a joke of the Constitution of the country. These MPs should have resigned before joining the new party, which they used to condemn earlier.”
Raising the demand for systemic reform, the Chief Minister asserted, “An amendment should be made in the Constitution for making provision of recall, as Raghav Chadha had been demanding, so that these MPs can be punished for treachery.”
He asserted, “Punjabis don’t tolerate such backstabbing and they will be punished by the people of the state. These leaders are now baffled due to which they are making illogical statements.” He further stated, “Joining BJP doesn’t mean that these leaders can’t be booked for their misdeeds. Even if more reports come regarding their sins, they will definitely be booked in the future too.”
Taking a firm position on accountability, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The shield of BJP can save them from gallows of law in other states but not in Punjab. These leaders should refrain from threatening Punjabis as they will bounce back and show them their real position.” He added, “These selected leaders elected by the representatives of the people should be dismissed from the House for backstabbing the people of the state.” He remarked, “The BJP is violating the Constitution of the country by misuse of central agencies. It is ironic that the same Ashok Mittal was provided Z plus security by the BJP whose premises were raided by ED a few days back.”
On the circumstances surrounding the defections, he said, “This was an arm-twisting strategy of the BJP. Raghav Chadha, who used to consistently say that BJP is a washing machine without detergent where the sins of political leaders are washed, is now hand in glove with the same party.” He added, “Raghav Chadha has taken foot in mouth by joining the saffron party. He should have resigned before joining the BJP.” He also said, “I thank the MLAs for showing solidarity with the party in this hour of crisis. I am personally indebted for this show of strength.”
Targeting the BJP’s approach towards Punjab, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The BJP should never dream of winning from this land of five rivers. The people of the state are well aware of the dubious character of BJP and they will definitely teach it a lesson.” He added, “Though BJP is buoyed over electoral gains in some states, as far as Punjab is concerned, there is a long saga of its injustice and step-motherly treatment towards the state and its people.” He stated, “The BJP wants to deprive Punjab from Panjab University, Tableau, Chandigarh, Bhakra Dam and every legitimate right.”
Highlighting financial concerns, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These people have stalled the legitimate share of grants of the state just to jeopardize the development of Punjab.” He added, “Rather than building castles in the air, the BJP leadership should forget that they will ever assume power in the state, as their sins against the state and its people are unpardonable.” He remarked, “With what face will the BJP come to Punjab when their leaders have never raised the issues of the state and its people? The brave and wise people of the state will never forget their misdeeds and will teach them a befitting lesson.”
Underscoring the political reality, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The BJP currently has two MLAs in the state, but the manner in which they are boasting may reduce them to zero seats.” He added, “Punjabis don’t succumb to such dictatorial tactics and always teach a befitting lesson to fissiparous forces who want to rule Punjab with a heavy hand.” He stated, “Ever since the state government has formulated strict laws against sacrilege, BJP is upset as it will not be able to pursue its divisive agenda in the state.”
Reiterating the government’s stance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The BJP, which has repeatedly faced rejection in Punjab, has responded with hostility towards the state by making desperate attempts to weaken a corruption-free government through intimidation, inducements, and efforts to engineer defections.” He emphasized, “AAP draws its strength from ordinary people and remains rooted in a principled, transformative vision. Such tactics cannot secure political victories in a democracy where the people of Punjab remain supreme. Punjabis will teach them a befitting lesson.”
Before leaving for Delhi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Our struggle to safeguard the rights and interests of Punjab continues relentlessly. Today, along with all AAP MLAs, we have set out to deliberate on the pressing issues of Punjab and to present the strong voice of the state before the President. As your public servant, our government remains fully committed to ensuring the prosperity of Punjab and protecting the rights of every section of society.”
