Former MLA Varinder Kaur Loomba and her husband, Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) leader Karan Singh DTO, joined the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab on Wednesday. The induction took place in Patran, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann personally welcoming the couple into the party fold.
CM Mann Presides Over Induction Ceremony
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was present at the Patran function to hand over party membership to the former MLA and her husband. The event comes just a month after another prominent Akali leader, former Punjab minister Surjit Singh Rakhra, also joined AAP. Sources indicated that Rakhra played a key role in persuading DTO to switch allegiance.
Mann arrived in Patran after launching his government's flagship scheme, the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana, in Dhuri, the Chief Minister's own Assembly constituency.
Mann Dismisses Controversy as a Conspiracy
During the event, Mann addressed a recent controversy involving a video in which he was allegedly seen disrespecting the Gurus. He reiterated that an impersonator had been used to create the video, calling it a heinous act. Mann stated that the large turnout at party events and the influx of leaders from other parties demonstrated that the public had rejected the controversy.
He accused the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Bharatiya Janata Party of collectively plotting to discredit him, but said their efforts had failed badly.
Second Major Political Gain for AAP in the Region
The induction of DTO and Loomba is seen as the second major political gain for AAP in the region, following Rakhra's joining. Rakhra, who enjoys considerable influence in the area, is believed to have been instrumental in convincing DTO to join AAP. The move strengthens AAP's presence in the Patran area and is expected to bolster the party's grassroots network ahead of future elections.
With this latest addition, AAP continues to expand its base by attracting leaders from rival parties, particularly the Shiromani Akali Dal factions.
