📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sandeep Pathak
Politics
BJP Picks Sandeep Pathak Over Other AAP Defectors for Nabin’s Team
✍️ News18
🗓 18 Aug 2026, 11:03 AM
👁 1
The Bharatiya Janata Party has selected former AAP member Sandeep Pathak to join Nabin Singh’s campaign team, sidelining other defectors.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced that former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Sandeep Pathak will be part of Nabin Singh’s campaign team for the upcoming Punjab elections. Pathak, who served as an MLA from the Jalandhar constituency, is known for his grassroots outreach and has maintained a clean public image.
BJP officials said that Pathak’s local influence and experience in mobilising voters were key factors in the decision. The party also highlighted his ability to bridge the gap between the party’s core base and the broader electorate.
While other AAP defectors have also expressed interest in joining the campaign, party leaders opted for Pathak, citing his track record of effective constituency work. The move is seen as a strategic attempt to strengthen BJP’s presence in regions where AAP has traditionally performed well.
Reactions within the party have been positive, with senior leaders praising Pathak’s inclusion as a boost for the campaign. However, some defectors have voiced disappointment, arguing that they too could have contributed.
The decision comes at a critical juncture as Punjab prepares for a highly contested election. Analysts suggest that Pathak’s addition could help BJP consolidate its vote bank in key districts.
BJP officials said that Pathak’s local influence and experience in mobilising voters were key factors in the decision. The party also highlighted his ability to bridge the gap between the party’s core base and the broader electorate.
While other AAP defectors have also expressed interest in joining the campaign, party leaders opted for Pathak, citing his track record of effective constituency work. The move is seen as a strategic attempt to strengthen BJP’s presence in regions where AAP has traditionally performed well.
Reactions within the party have been positive, with senior leaders praising Pathak’s inclusion as a boost for the campaign. However, some defectors have voiced disappointment, arguing that they too could have contributed.
The decision comes at a critical juncture as Punjab prepares for a highly contested election. Analysts suggest that Pathak’s addition could help BJP consolidate its vote bank in key districts.