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AAP Leader Accuses BJP of Operation Lotus in Punjab: Detailed Analysis

Kalyani Jha
28 Mar, 2024

Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj made significant allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday, claiming that the BJP orchestrated an “Operation Lotus” to disrupt AAP’s strongholds in Punjab. These accusations came in response to recent defections of AAP legislators in Punjab to the BJP, marking a critical phase in the state’s political landscape.

Bharadwaj’s assertions were captured in a statement reported by ANI, where he vehemently criticized what he termed as the BJP’s attempt to lure AAP MLAs in Punjab with promises of financial incentives, security, and influential positions. The AAP leader, echoing sentiments previously expressed by Arvind Kejriwal, alleged that this operation was devised to destabilize AAP-led governments in both Delhi and Punjab.

The focus of Bharadwaj’s criticism centered on AAP legislators Sushil Kumar Rinku, an MP from Jalandhar, and Sheetal Angural, an MLA from Jalandhar West, who aligned themselves with the BJP in Punjab’s Jalandhar region. Bharadwaj questioned the strategic reasoning behind these defections, especially given the BJP’s anticipated fourth-place finish in the upcoming Punjab elections.

He pointedly raised the issue of inducements offered to AAP MLAs, citing instances where financial enticements, enhanced security measures, and lucrative electoral opportunities were allegedly proposed by the BJP. Despite these enticements, Bharadwaj emphasized the steadfastness of AAP’s MLAs, who resisted these offers and brought the matter to the attention of the party leadership.

The narrative gained traction following the decisions of Sushil Kumar Rinku and Sheetal Angural to join the BJP, culminating in meetings with BJP’s national president JP Nadda and Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar. Rinku’s decision, despite being announced as the AAP candidate from Jalandhar, raised eyebrows, particularly as he cited admiration for Prime Minister Modi’s developmental initiatives as a motivating factor.

“Operation Lotus,” as described by Bharadwaj, refers to a well-known political strategy employed by the BJP, characterized by efforts to woo legislators from rival parties with enticing offers, with the ultimate aim of consolidating political power, particularly in states where the BJP lacks a clear majority.

The unfolding events in Punjab hold significant implications, especially against the backdrop of the BJP’s decision to contest the upcoming elections independently, following its split with long-time ally Shiromani Akali Dal. This maneuvering underscores the intense competition and strategic realignments in Punjab’s political landscape as the elections approach.

In conclusion, Bharadwaj’s allegations shed light on the complex dynamics and fierce political maneuvering underway in Punjab, underscoring the high stakes and strategic calculations being made by various political players in the run-up to the elections.