Former AAP Leader HS Phoolka Inducted into BJP in Presence of Hardeep Puri

Senior advocate and former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader HS Phoolka, known for his long legal battle to secure justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi on Wednesday. Phoolka was inducted into the party in the presence of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, BJP leader Tarun Chugh, and other senior party members, who welcomed him into the party fold. Following his induction, Phoolka launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party, alleging a disconnect between its claims and actions. He stated that he had initially joined the party during the Anna Hazare movement but later distanced himself after observing its functioning. Highlighting issues in Punjab, Phoolka expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. He said that drug abuse continues to be a major challenge, farmers’ issues remain unresolved, and several other public concerns are still pending. He asserted that significant pro-people decisions would be taken once the BJP forms the government in Punjab. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann criticised Phoolka’s move and recalled that the AAP had appointed him as the Leader of Opposition in 2017. Mann stated that Phoolka had resigned from that position and later also gave up his MLA post. He alleged that Phoolka had betrayed the trust of the people and said that such actions would not be forgiven by the public. The development marks a significant political shift, with reactions emerging from both the BJP and AAP camps regarding Phoolka’s entry into the party.