News Delhi: CM Mann meets President, demands cancellation of membership of ‘traitors of Punjab’ Rajya Sabha members

*Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann met the President, demanded cancellation of membership of ‘traitors of Punjab’ Rajya Sabha members*

• Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reached Delhi with all the MLAs of Punjab.

• I have submitted a memorandum signed by all the MLAs of Punjab at Rashtrapati Bhavan and appealed to the President to take action: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann

• BJP has only two MLAs in Punjab, yet its Rajya Sabha MPs have increased to six; This is an open mockery of democracy: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann

• These seven MPs are ‘not elected, but selected’; His going to any other party is not patriotism but a betrayal of Punjab: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann

• If the seven MPs who have joined BJP really have patriotism in their hearts, then they should resign and contest elections to enter Parliament: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

• These MPs, who have betrayed Punjab, are threatening people by citing BJP governments in 21 states; Punjabis will give them a befitting reply: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann

• Joining BJP does not provide security to anyone; If anyone has done wrong, Punjab government will register a case: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann

• Misuse of ED and CBI to ‘clean’ tainted leaders in BJP’s ‘washing machine’ is an attack on democracy: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann

• BJP’s ‘Operation Lotus’ tactics will never succeed in Punjab; Punjabis never tolerate betrayal: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann

*New Delhi/Punjab, May 5, 2026*

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today took the fight against defection to the highest constitutional post and met the President. He demanded immediate cancellation of membership of the ‘traitors of Punjab’ (turned-defection) Rajya Sabha members. In a show of party unity, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann arrived in Delhi along with Punjab MLAs and submitted a signed memorandum at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, saying the dramatic increase in the number of BJP Rajya Sabha members despite Punjab having only two MLAs represents a clear violation of the democratic order.

Describing the seven MPs as ‘not elected but selected’, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann termed their defection as a betrayal of Punjab. He challenged these members to resign and seek a new mandate and warned that neither central agencies nor political forces would be able to protect the wrongdoings. He declared that efforts like ‘Operation Lotus’ would never succeed in Punjab as Punjab never tolerates betrayal.

Sharing excerpts from the meeting on his social media account

He wrote in the post that we have made it very clear that the nefarious tactics of ‘Operation Lotus’ will never succeed in Punjab. Our MLAs are the voice of millions of Punjabis and the people of Punjab will never tolerate betrayal. “Being ‘your public servant’, I assure every Punjabi that we will fight till our last breath to protect the people’s mandate and uphold constitutional values.”

Addressing the media after meeting the President, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Democracy has been murdered by the defection of seven Rajya Sabha members. This is unconstitutional because either the entire party should have passed the resolution, but these seven MPs changed their allegiance in an unconstitutional manner, making a mockery of democracy.” He further said, “BJP has two MLAs but seven Rajya Sabha MPs, which is a mockery of the Constitution. These MPs should have resigned before joining the new party which they had earlier condemned.”

Demanding reforms in the system, the Chief Minister asserted, “The Constitution should be amended to provide for the recall of MPs, as Raghav Chadha had been demanding, so that these MPs can be punished for treason.”

He stressed, “Punjabis will not tolerate such backstabbing and they will be punished by the people of the state. These leaders are now entangled, due to which they are making absurd statements.” He further said, “Joining the BJP does not mean that these leaders cannot be held guilty of bad deeds. Even if there are reports later about their sins, action will be taken against them in future also.”

Taking a firm stand on accountability, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The BJP’s shield may save them from the web of law in other states, but not in Punjab. These leaders should desist from threatening Punjabis as Punjabis will show them their real status.” He further said, “These leaders elected by the people’s representatives should be dismissed from the House for backstabbing the people of Punjab.” He commented, “BJP is violating the Constitution of the country by misusing central agencies. It is ironic that the BJP provided Z Plus security to the same Ashok Mittal, whose premises were raided by the ED a few days ago.”

Regarding the situation of defection, he said, “This is the arm-twisting strategy of the BJP. Raghav Chadha, who used to say that the BJP is a washing machine without detergent, where the sins of political leaders are washed, is now joining hands with the same party.” He further said, “Raghav Chaddha has started talking nonsense after joining the saffron party. He should have resigned before joining the BJP.” He also said, “I thank the MLAs for showing solidarity with the party in this hour of crisis. I am personally indebted to these MLAs for this show of strength.”

Taking aim at the BJP’s overreach towards Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “BJP should never dream of winning from this land of five rivers. The people of the state are well aware of the dubious character of the BJP and they will definitely teach it a lesson.” He further said, “Even though the BJP is excited by the victory in some states, as far as Punjab is concerned, the story of its injustice and step-motherly treatment towards the state and its people is very long.” “BJP wants to deprive Punjab of Punjab University, Jhakhi, Chandigarh, Bhakra Dam and every other legitimate right,” he said.

Regarding financial concerns, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These people have blocked legitimate funds of the state to jeopardize the development of Punjab.” He further said, “Instead of building fortresses in the air, the BJP leadership should forget that it will ever hold power in Punjab. The crimes committed against Punjab and Punjabis cannot be forgiven.” He remarked, “How will the BJP come to Punjab, when its leaders have never raised the issues of the state and its people? The brave and wise people of Punjab will never forget the evil deeds of the BJP and will teach it a proper lesson.”

Identifying the political reality, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “BJP currently has two MLAs in the state, but the way they are boasting, their seats may become zero.” He further said, “Punjabis never bow down to such dictatorial tactics and always teach a befitting lesson to those divisive forces who want to rule Punjab by force.” “Ever since the state government has enacted a strict law against sacrilege, the BJP is worried as it will not be able to carry forward its divisive agenda in Punjab,” he said.

Reiterating the government’s stand, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Despite repeated denials in Punjab, the BJP has adopted a hostile attitude towards the state by trying to weaken the corruption-free government through intimidation, luring and attempts at defection.” He asserted, “AAP derives its strength from the common people and is rooted in a principled approach. Such nefarious tactics cannot ensure political victory in a democracy. Punjabis will teach them a befitting lesson.”

Before leaving for Delhi, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said on Twitter, “Our struggle to protect the rights and interests of Punjab continues. Today, along with all the AAP MLAs, we have come out to discuss the important issues of Punjab and present the strong voice of the state before the President. Being your public servant, our government is fully committed to ensuring the prosperity of Punjab and protecting the rights of every section of the society.”