Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Sangrur Narinder Kaur Bharaj on Thursday levelled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming she was approached with inducements as part of the party’s alleged “Operation Lotus” aimed at destabilising elected governments. Addressing a press conference at the party office along with AAP Punjab State Media Incharge Baltej Pannu, Bharaj asserted that the attempt reflected the BJP’s continued efforts to expand its political footprint through defections.
Bharaj claimed that a few days ago Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini tried to get in touch with her and offered a BJP ticket from Sangrur. According to her, she was told that any demand she made would be fulfilled and was also offered a closed door meeting. She described the outreach as an attempt to lure her away from the party but maintained that she rejected it outright.
Recalling her political journey, Bharaj said she joined AAP in 2014 at the age of 19 after being inspired by the policies of Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann. She highlighted her humble background, stating that only AAP could give the daughter of a small farmer the opportunity to become an MLA at 27. She added that her rise from a grassroots worker who once put up posters for the party demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to empowering ordinary families.
Taking a swipe at Saini, the legislator remarked that his increasing visits to Punjab suggested the BJP had “sent him on deputation.” She advised him to focus on Haryana instead of worrying about Punjab, asserting that the people of the state and AAP legislators stand firmly with Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal.
Emphasising unity within the party, Bharaj said every worker, MLA and minister remains committed to changing the system and improving health and education rather than engaging in political horse trading. She expressed confidence that the party is fully prepared for the 2027 Assembly elections and would not be shaken by what she termed cheap tactics.
Baltej Pannu echoed her charges, alleging that the BJP was again attempting to undermine democracy in Punjab but would not succeed. He said that despite repeated efforts and lucrative offers, not a single AAP MLA had defected in nearly four years of the state government.
Pannu contrasted what he described as the “Haryana model” with Punjab’s governance, claiming that people there face high power costs, while Punjab provides free electricity and other welfare measures. He asserted that AAP legislators come from ordinary households and cannot be bought, warning the BJP to abandon any notion that Punjab is “for sale.”
Stressing the dignity attached to the office of chief minister, Pannu urged the BJP leadership to focus on governance rather than political conspiracies. He concluded that what, according to him, could not be achieved in Delhi would never happen on Punjab’s soil, as the party remains united and determined.