How Dissenting MLAs and Defector MPs Widening AAP Cracks on Eve of Punjab Polls

Indian Express•Published: Oct 5, 2026 06:25 AM IST

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab is facing mounting internal dissent as several high-profile MLAs and Rajya Sabha MPs have either been suspended, left the party, or openly criticized the Bhagwant Mann-led government. Maur MLA Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana was recently suspended for alleged anti-party activities after releasing a video highlighting a severe teacher shortage in state-run schools.

Suspension of Maiserkhana: The Maur MLA was suspended within an hour of posting an emotional video criticizing the government over state school conditions, making him the only legislator in the 117-member assembly to send his children to public schools.
Growing MLA Dissent: Other legislators like Harmit Singh Pathanmajra and Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh faced police action or suspension after publicly questioning the government's handling of floods, Delhi leadership interference, and anti-corruption operations.
Rajya Sabha Defections: The internal rumblings follow a major rupture in April when seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, including six from Punjab, crossed over to the BJP utilizing the two-thirds defection provision.

The Context & Background

These internal fractures pose a serious challenge for the AAP, which stormed to power by sweeping 92 out of 117 seats in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, as it prepares for the upcoming February 2027 polls.

Why it matters:The growing internal turmoil and defections weaken the AAP's political grip in Punjab, providing major ammunition for opposition parties ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. It directly challenges the party's core narrative of administrative competence and its signature education reforms.

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