Punjab Politics Heats Up as Two AAP Legislators Walk Out Ahead of 2027 Assembly Polls

The departure of Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and former minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra raises fresh questions about AAP’s candidate selection strategy in Punjab.

Chandigarh, November 1, 2026: Political uncertainty has deepened within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab after two of its sitting legislators from Patiala district severed ties with the ruling party, bringing internal disagreements into focus months before the next Assembly elections.

Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, the MLA from Sanaur, and Chetan Singh Jouramajra, who represents Samana, resigned from AAP’s primary membership on Sunday, November 1.

Their decisions came within 24 hours of the party announcing its first 40 candidates for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

Although neither constituency was included in the initial announcement, developments within the party organisation had already created uncertainty about whether the two legislators would receive tickets for another term.

Candidate Selection Sparks Fresh Political Speculation

AAP’s decision to announce candidates several months before the elections was intended to provide an early organisational advantage. However, the departures in Patiala district have highlighted the difficulties of managing competing political interests during the selection process.

The party had previously appointed new constituency in-charges in Sanaur and Samana, prompting speculation that it was preparing to introduce different candidates.

Ranjod Singh Hadana was given responsibility for Sanaur, while former Shiromani Akali Dal leader Surjit Singh Rakhra assumed an important organisational role in Samana.

These changes attracted particular attention because both Assembly constituencies were already represented by sitting AAP legislators.

While the party has not officially announced its candidates for either seat, the organisational appointments had raised doubts about the political future of the two MLAs.

Former Minister Jouramajra’s Exit Draws Attention

Chetan Singh Jouramajra’s resignation represents a notable development for AAP in Patiala district.

The Samana legislator previously served as a Cabinet minister in Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government but was removed during a ministerial reshuffle in September 2024.

His position within the party subsequently became uncertain, particularly after Surjit Singh Rakhra was entrusted with responsibility for political activities in Samana.

Following his resignation, Jouramajra expressed disappointment with the party and the political situation in Punjab.

His departure has intensified speculation about possible changes in political alignments within the constituency ahead of the Assembly elections.

Pathanmajra Leaves After Prolonged Differences

The resignation of Sanaur MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra follows a period of strained relations with the party leadership.

Pathanmajra had previously criticised aspects of the Punjab government’s administration, including its handling of flood-related issues.

He has also faced legal controversies, including a criminal case, which attracted considerable political attention.

These developments had contributed to uncertainty over his chances of receiving another AAP nomination.

Pathanmajra confirmed his decision to leave the party but did not immediately provide a detailed explanation of his future political plans.

AAP Begins Election Preparations With 40 Candidates

The developments come as AAP attempts to consolidate its position ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

On October 31, the party announced its first list of 40 candidates following a meeting of its Political Affairs Committee in New Delhi.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will once again contest from Dhuri, while Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has been nominated from Kotkapura.

Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri will seek re-election from Garhshankar.

The party has also selected Sanjeev Arora for Ludhiana West and retained several other sitting legislators from constituencies across the state.

According to the party leadership, announcing candidates early will allow nominees more time to communicate with voters, strengthen local organisations and present the government’s achievements.

AAP is seeking to retain power after securing a decisive mandate in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections.

Will the Two Leaders Join Another Political Party?

The resignations have also generated speculation about possible defections to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Reports suggest that Pathanmajra and Jouramajra could consider joining the BJP, although no formal announcement confirming such a move had emerged at the time of reporting.

Their next political decisions could have implications for electoral calculations in Sanaur and Samana, particularly if either leader chooses to contest the upcoming elections under a different party banner.

For AAP, the departures present an early challenge as it begins finalising candidates for the remaining Assembly constituencies.

With Punjab’s 2027 election campaign gradually taking shape, attention will now turn to the party’s next candidate list and its efforts to maintain unity among sitting legislators.

The developments also underline the broader challenge facing political parties in balancing established local leadership with changing electoral strategies ahead of a major state election.