Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday, 29 April announced that the state government will meet President Droupadi Murmu on 5 May to formally raise the issue of what he described as the "illegal" and "unlawful defection" of seven Rajya Sabha MPs — including six from Punjab — from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Mann asserted that such actions "amount to a betrayal of the people's mandate".

Confirmation from Rashtrapati Bhawan

Addressing the media in Chandigarh, Chief Minister Mann said the state government has received confirmation from Rashtrapati Bhawan for the 5 May meeting. "We will meet the President of India to raise the issue of illegal and unlawful defection by seven Rajya Sabha MPs," he stated. Mann did not hold back in his characterisation of the defecting legislators, saying, "These MPs who have disrespected the mandate of the people deserve no mercy as they are the traitors of Punjab and Punjabis."

Mann's Warning to Those Defending the Defection

The Chief Minister also took aim at those who have sought to normalise the defection, warning that their defence of the move could signal their own impending shift in allegiance. "Those who are terming this defection as the order of the day or a tradition are justifying a grave disregard for the people's verdict. This is unacceptable, and those speaking in such a manner appear to be preparing to shift their allegiance," he said.

Punjab Government's Majority Not Under Threat

Reaffirming the stability of the AAP government in Punjab, Mann said the administration "enjoys full confidence both inside and outside the Vidhan Sabha, making any demand for a floor test unnecessary". He pointed to the smooth passage of the state budget and other legislation as evidence of the government's legislative strength. "Every single small or big bill passes the floor test, which clearly reflects that the government is in an absolute majority in the House," he added. Mann also challenged critics to first account for unfulfilled guarantees by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government before questioning Punjab's governance.

Railway Track Blast and Other Developments

On the recent railway track blast incident in Punjab, Mann said the state government is in constant touch with the Union government and the Ministry of Home Affairs. "Investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages, and the perpetrators of this crime will not be spared," he asserted. On the water-sharing front, Mann noted that Haryana has utilised its share of water more judiciously this year, averting disputes. He also said that following his meeting with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the movement of foodgrains from Punjab has been expedited, with 290 special trains deployed to transport grains and ensure adequate storage ahead of the upcoming paddy crop season.

The 5 May meeting with President Murmu is expected to mark a significant political escalation in AAP's pushback against the defections, with the party seeking constitutional intervention at the highest level.