Now the political landscape of Punjab is witnessing a high-stakes security escalation as former cricketer Harbhajan Singh receives central protection. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the Union Home Ministry provided CRPF security cover to the Rajya Sabha member just 24 hours after the Punjab government withdrew his state shield. Therefore, the Harbhajan Singh CRPF security BJP switch highlight the deepening rift between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its former representatives. Specifically, the decision follows aggressive protests outside Singh’s Jalandhar residence, where party workers expressed their outrage over his decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
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Meanwhile, the protests reached a boiling point as demonstrators spray-painted “Gaddar” (traitor) across the boundary walls of Singh’s bungalow.
But for the AAP, the primary focus remains a legal and constitutional challenge against the seven defecting MPs who have effectively hollowed out the party’s strength in the Upper House.
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The Security Switch: From Punjab Police to CRPF Commandos
Now we must analyze the logistical shift in Harbhajan Singh’s protection. On Saturday, the Punjab Police reportedly withdrew a security cover comprising 9-10 officers from the cricketer’s residence in Jalandhar’s Chhotti Baradari locality. Therefore, the Harbhajan Singh CRPF security BJP switch became a necessity as the local situation turned volatile.
Central Intervention
First, the Union Home Ministry recognized a “threat perception” after state-provided security was removed. Then, CRPF commandos were seen deployed at the residence by Sunday afternoon. Thus, the Centre has effectively stepped in to fill the security vacuum created by the Bhagwant Mann-led government. Next, sources suggest that this central cover will extend to Singh’s movements in both Delhi and Punjab. Therefore, the security transition serves as a visual marker of Singh’s new political alignment with the ruling party at the Centre.
Jalandhar Vandalism: The “Gaddar” Graffiti Controversy
Now the emotional intensity of the AAP’s base was on full display in Jalandhar. A day after the defection, AAP workers staged a protest outside Harbhajan Singh’s home, accusing him of betraying the mandate that sent him to the Rajya Sabha.
The Spelling Slip-up
First, protesters spray-painted the word “Gaddar” (traitor) in black across the compound walls. Then, social media users pointed out a bizarre irony: some of the graffiti reportedly read “Gadar” (rebel/revolution) instead of the intended “Gaddar,” leading to widespread mockery online. Thus, what was intended as a “scarlet letter of shame” accidentally rebranded the cricketer as a man of defiance. Next, the Jalandhar residence quickly became a “selfie spot” for locals before police restored order. Therefore, the vandalism has become a symbolic flashpoint in the ongoing political narrative.
The “Right Man, Wrong Party”: Raghav Chadha’s Tectonic Shift
Now the catalyst for this crisis was the shock announcement by Raghav Chadha on Friday, April 24. Chadha, a co-founder of the AAP, declared that he was joining the BJP along with six other Rajya Sabha members.
Deviating from Principles
First, Chadha alleged that the Arvind Kejriwal-led party had “strayed from its principles, values, and core morals.” Then, he claimed he felt like the “right man in the wrong party” and was now distancing himself in the public interest. Thus, the exit marks a tectonic shift, as Chadha was once seen as Kejriwal’s most trusted aide. Next, he led a bloc that includes Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Swati Maliwal, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Sahney, and Harbhajan Singh. Therefore, the Harbhajan Singh CRPF security BJP switch is part of a larger hollowing-out of the AAP’s parliamentary strength.
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Bhagwant Mann’s President Move: Seeking a Mandatory Recall
Now Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has escalated the political crisis to the highest constitutional office. Mann has sought a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu to present a formal stance on the “recall” of the seven defecting members.
Distorting the Mandate
First, Mann argues that these members were elected by AAP MLAs, who in turn represent the people of Punjab. Then, he claims that each MLA was elected by 2.5 lakh voters, and their move to the BJP is a betrayal of that public mandate. Thus, the Chief Minister is pushing for their removal on the grounds that their switch “distorts the state’s representation.” Next, he is expected to lead a united group of MLAs to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to show political strength. Therefore, the AAP is attempting a “constitutional outreach” to delegitimize the defection.
Constitutional Loophole: Why the 7 MPs Might Keep Their Seats
Now, despite the AAP’s outrage, the defecting MPs have utilized a specific legal threshold to avoid disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
The 2/3rds Majority
First, the Anti-Defection Law does not apply if two-thirds of a party’s legislative or parliamentary wing decides to merge with another party. Then, with seven out of ten AAP Rajya Sabha members switching, they represent 70% of the party’s strength in the Upper House. Thus, by moving as a bloc, they potentially bypass the risk of losing their seats. Next, Raghav Chadha has formally asserted that they have merged with the BJP as a “faction.” Therefore, the legal battle will likely center on whether the Rajya Sabha Chairman accepts this merger as a valid constitutional exercise.
Protests Across Punjab: Targetting Mittal and Gupta
Now the anger against the defectors is not limited to Harbhajan Singh. Similar demonstrations have broken out in Ludhiana and other parts of the state.
Widespread Disapproval
First, several AAP workers protested outside the residences of Ashok Mittal and Rajinder Gupta. Then, the word “Gaddar” was also spray-painted on their walls as protesters chanted slogans like “Punjab ka Gaddar, Murdabad.” Thus, the AAP’s organizational machinery has been activated to brand the defectors as “traitors to the state.” Next, the party’s official social media handles released graphics using the names of the seven MPs to spell out the word “Gaddar.” Therefore, the Harbhajan Singh CRPF security BJP switch has occurred against a backdrop of coordinated state-wide hostility.
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Political Future: Impact on the 2027 Punjab Assembly Elections
Now this split has massive implications for the upcoming 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The AAP government led by Bhagwant Mann is seeking a second term, and the exit of key strategists like Chadha and Pathak is a significant blow.
BJP’s Expansion in the North
First, the BJP is clearly using these defections to expand its footprint in a state where it has traditionally been a junior partner. Then, the acquisition of a “Punjabi icon” like Harbhajan Singh gives the BJP a face that resonates with the local electorate. Thus, the Harbhajan Singh CRPF security BJP switch is a strategic move to soften the BJP’s image in rural Punjab. Next, the AAP now faces the challenge of preventing further “Operation Lotus” attempts on its state MLAs. Therefore, the 2027 battle has effectively begun with this massive hollowing-out of the AAP’s central leadership.
IPL Duties and Absence: Where was Harbhajan During the Protest?
Now it is important to note that Harbhajan Singh was not actually at his Jalandhar residence when the protests and vandalism occurred.
Away on Duty
First, the cricketer-turned-politician is currently occupied with IPL-related broadcasting duties. Then, he has maintained a low profile on social media regarding the specific details of the protests. Thus, while the “Gaddar” graffiti made national headlines, Singh was physically distanced from the local heat in Punjab. Next, the Union Home Ministry’s security upgrade ensures that he will be protected wherever his professional duties take him. Therefore, the Harbhajan Singh CRPF security BJP switch provides a security umbrella that follows him during his travel across India.
Common Questions Answered
Why was Harbhajan Singh given CRPF security?Now, the Centre provided the cover after the Punjab government withdrew his state security and AAP workers vandalized his home following his switch to the BJP.
Who are the 7 MPs who left AAP?First, they are Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Swati Maliwal, and Vikramjit Sahney.
Will Harbhajan Singh lose his Rajya Sabha seat? Next, potentially not. Because 7 out of 10 MPs switched (meeting the 2/3rds requirement), they may qualify as a legal merger under the Anti-Defection Law.
What did Bhagwant Mann call the defectors?So he dubbed them “gaddars” (traitors) and accused the BJP of trying to “betray the people of Punjab” by poaching elected members.
Is Harbhajan Singh officially in the BJP? Finally, yes. Raghav Chadha announced on Friday that the seven members have merged with the BJP parliamentary party in the Rajya Sabha.
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