The political landscape in Punjab has been tumultuous in recent weeks, marked by a series of defections and allegations of covert maneuvering, particularly with the onset of the impending general elections. The defection of prominent AAP leaders, including the party’s lone Lok Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Rinku, Jalandhar West MLA Sheetal Angural, and Congress leader Ravneet Singh Bittu, to the BJP has intensified concerns among rival political factions.
BJP’s alleged “Operation Lotus,” characterised by the purported enticement of MLAs to switch allegiances, has cast a shadow of doubt over the forthcoming elections, leaving other parties hesitant to unveil their candidate lists. While AAP was swift in announcing eight candidates in its initial list last month, BJP’s absorption of Rinku into its ranks shortly afterward disrupted the political equilibrium.
After BJP announced six candidates on Sunday, political parties have adopted a cautious approach, wary of potential inducements and attempts at destabilisation. AAP, in particular, has raised apprehensions about BJP’s intentions, accusing it of reigniting “Operation Lotus” in Punjab in an endeavor to undermine Arvind Kejriwal-led party.
Congress, having also suffered losses with defection of Preneet Kaur to the BJP, finds itself in a precarious position. A senior Congress leader expressed concerns about BJP’s tactics, highlighting the party’s strategy of delaying candidate announcements to avoid adverse consequences.
Moreover, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s delayed declaration of the remaining five candidates, coupled with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s overtures towards AAP at a recent rally, has fueled speculation about a potential alliance between the two parties. However, internal dissent within both AAP and Congress casts doubt on the feasibility of such collaboration.
As political uncertainty persists, AAP leaders are contemplating protest actions in constituencies where candidates are yet to be nominated, indicating simmering tensions within the party. Additionally, the SAD’s reluctance to announce its candidates amid rumors of potential defections further exacerbates the prevailing atmosphere of uncertainty.
Amid accusations and counter-accusations, the BJP’s state chief Sunil Jakhar dismissed allegations of inducement, underscoring the intensifying rivalry and moral posturing among political contenders. As Punjab braces for the electoral fray, the intricate interplay of alliances, defections, and tactical maneuvers underscores the volatility of the political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections.