Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers in Ludhiana staged a protest on Tuesday against Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Gupta's decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The protesters accused Gupta of betraying the party's principles and the mandate given by the people.
Protest Details
The demonstration took place outside the party office, with workers holding placards and shouting slogans against Gupta. They alleged that Gupta's move was a result of pressure from the central government and that he had compromised his integrity for personal gains.
Reactions from Party Leaders
Senior AAP leaders condemned Gupta's switch, calling it a blow to the party's morale. They stated that Gupta had been elected on an AAP ticket and owed his position to the party's support. The leaders vowed to take strict action against any member considering defection.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders welcomed Gupta, claiming that his decision reflected the growing appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. They asserted that many more opposition leaders would join the BJP in the coming days.
Background
Sanjay Gupta, a prominent AAP figure in Punjab, was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2022. His defection comes ahead of the 2024 general elections, which has sparked political debates in the state. The AAP has been facing internal challenges, with several leaders switching sides recently.
The protest highlights the ongoing political realignments in Punjab, where AAP and BJP are vying for dominance. The party has called for a larger demonstration next week to send a strong message against defections.
