Gyan Singh Mann, the first cousin of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today.
Gyan Singh Mann, the first cousin of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today. The joining ceremony took place at the BJP headquarters in Chandigarh.
The ceremony reportedly was held in the presence of Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
Gyan Singh, who has been politically active alongside the Chief Minister since the commencement of the People’s Party of Punjab in 2012, described his defection as a “principled decision.” Despite his familial ties to Bhagwant Mann, Gyan Singh expressed deep disillusionment with the current state of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
“I am proud of my brother’s journey from MP to CM, but the Aam Aadmi Party has transformed into a ‘Khaas’ (Special) Aadmi Party. The volunteers who built this party have been sidelined for the wealthy and outsiders,” Gyan Singh stated during the press conference.
During the event, Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar targetted the CM’s administration, alleging political vendetta. Jakhar claimed that just days prior to this joining, Gyan Singh’s business (a local dhaba) was targeted with a GST raid as a form of intimidation.
Jakhar also condemned recent attacks on BJP offices in Amritsar and Ludhiana, where furniture was vandalized and ink was thrown at candidates. He warned the administration that “everyone’s account will be settled” (Sabka Hisaab Hoga) and urged government officials not to act under political pressure.
Haryana CM Nayab Saini welcomed the new members, stating that Punjab is ready for a “Double Engine Government” (BJP at both state and center). He contrasted Punjab’s current struggles with Haryana’s achievements in farmer payments and social security pensions, inviting the people of Punjab to join the BJP for stability.
While Gyan Singh maintained that he still holds personal respect for his brother, his move to the BJP marks a significant symbolic victory for the opposition as the state prepares for upcoming local and general electoral battles.
