Beginning of unravelling of AAP: Sukhbir Singh Badal

New Delhi: With seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs crossing over to BJP, Sukhbir Singh Badal described it as the beginning of the party's "unravelling", asserting politics in Punjab is now headed towards a direct contest between Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress.

Taking a sharp dig at Punjab's ruling party's leadership, Badal told ET that it had alienated its own workers by "selling Rajya Sabha tickets" instead of rewarding grassroots workers.

"When a party neglects its workers and prioritises outsiders, how can it expect loyalty?" he said, noting that some of the MPs who switched were not even originally from Punjab and had failed to raise the state's concerns in Parliament.


He alleged that the defecting MPs "had no ground connect" and were driven by personal ambitions and business interests rather than public service. "This only confirms that the bubble is bursting. Its collapse is inevitable, though unfortunately Punjab has already suffered damage due to its governance."

Projecting SAD as the state's only rooted political force, Badal asserted that it remains the sole cadre-driven outfit in Punjab. "From floods to other crises, we have consistently stood with the people. I personally travelled across the state during the floods and extended financial assistance on behalf of the party," he said, highlighting the ongoing 'Punjab Bachao' outreach campaign of SAD.

On the political implications of defections, Badal downplayed BJP's gains, saying the shift offered the party only a "psychological advantage" while adding little to its ground strength in Punjab. "Their numbers may have gone up in the Rajya Sabha, but on the ground, nothing changes," he said.

Expressing confidence ahead of the 2027 assembly polls, Badal said voters would back a regional force. "In the next election, the people of Punjab will bless their own party. If there is a real contest, it will be between Akali Dal and Congress."

On the prospects of an alliance with BJP, Badal said Akali Dal is currently focused on strengthening its organisation, energising its cadre and expanding its base.