Former Indian cricketer and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Harbhajan Singh has opened up about his decision to exit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In a detailed podcast interview, the 46-year-old sports icon clarified that his departure stemmed from persistent inaction on his sports development proposals rather than political ambition, noting that the primary goal behind his entry into public life was being left unfulfilled.
Ignored Proposals For Sports Development
According to Harbhajan Singh, when Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann approached him to join AAP back in 2022, he had laid down a clear condition right from the outset. He explicitly conveyed to the party leadership that he had no interest in traditional party politics or political debates. Instead, his sole objective was to utilize his position in the Rajya Sabha to advocate for athletic growth and sports infrastructure.
However, over time, his proposals failed to gain traction within the organization. Harbhajan shared that he had submitted numerous actionable suggestions aimed at elevating sports at the grassroots level, yet none were implemented. He lamented that his ideas remained nothing more than unexecuted thoughts. He emphasized that had even a minor step been taken to advance those sports initiatives, he would never have considered leaving the party.
Responding To Protests And 'Traitor' Labels
Following his resignation, AAP leaders labeled him and several departing colleagues as 'traitors.' The backlash manifested in staged demonstrations outside Harbhajan's residence in Jalandhar, where protesters gathered, raised slogans, and burnt his effigy.
Addressing these incidents, the veteran spin bowler remarked that he saw no need to name specific individuals, as the origin and backing of those protests were clear to all. He questioned why the general public, which had showered him with affection throughout his cricket career, would suddenly paint slogans calling him a traitor outside his home. He posed a direct query asking whom he had actually betrayed.
Questioning Governance Commitments In Punjab
Turning the critique back onto AAP, Harbhajan raised questions regarding the commitments made to the citizens of Punjab. He questioned the current status of the lofty assurances given to the people of the state, asking what tangible work had been delivered for Punjab's welfare and who truly failed the electorate.
Harbhajan stressed that merely stamping someone with derogatory labels does not diminish their integrity. He affirmed that his dedication to India and Punjab remains absolute and that his sense of patriotism does not rely on validation or certificates from any political entity.
Context Of The Political Transition
AAP originally nominated Harbhajan Singh to the Rajya Sabha in 2022. Following growing dissatisfaction over the direction of his work, Harbhajan officially parted ways with AAP in April 2026, subsequently joining the BJP alongside six other leaders.
