The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday levelled sharp allegations against Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, accusing him of facilitating what it described as a “fraudulent” induction of Haryana-based individuals into the Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The accusations have intensified political tensions between the parties amid ongoing organisational activities in Punjab.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Arvind Kejriwal-led party claimed that Saini presided over a membership drive in Chandigarh in which several youths were introduced as new members of the Punjab BJP despite allegedly belonging to Haryana. AAP argued that presenting individuals from another state as Punjab party members raised questions about the BJP’s intentions and organisational practices.
The party alleged that the move amounted to disrespect toward young people in both Punjab and Haryana and suggested that it could form part of a broader attempt to influence electoral dynamics. In its statement, AAP questioned whether the BJP was attempting to manipulate voter bases in Punjab by artificially expanding its membership through individuals from outside the state.
AAP further criticised the Haryana Chief Minister personally, claiming the episode reflected what it called deceptive political practices and asserting that the BJP was relying on Haryana-based supporters because of weak grassroots support among Punjab’s youth. The party characterised the development as evidence of organisational difficulties faced by the BJP in Punjab.
The allegations came a day after more than 200 students from Panjab University, Chandigarh, associated with the Hindustan Students Association, formally joined the BJP during an induction programme held at the party’s Punjab headquarters in Chandigarh. The event was attended by Nayab Singh Saini along with senior BJP leaders and party workers.
There was no immediate response from the BJP to the accusations at the time of reporting. The controversy has added a fresh political dimension to inter-party rivalry in the region, with AAP raising concerns about voter integrity and party membership practices while the BJP continues efforts to expand its organisational presence in Punjab.
