LUDHIANA, MAY 20 — Former international cricketer and Rajya Sabha member Harbhajan Singh restricted public commentary on his official X account Thursday following a series of sharp exchanges with political opponents and social media critics.
The digital confrontation developed three weeks after the former off-spinner resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. The restrictions were implemented after Singh issued a public communication to the Punjab Director General of Police regarding state law and order parameters, which prompted an influx of critical responses from AAP supporters concerning national economic policies and pending state infrastructure funds.
The social media backlash follows a recent incident at Singh’s private residence in the Chhoti Baradari area, where protesters painted critical slogans on the exterior property walls to protest his party crossover.
“I will surely ask them this for Punjab as it’s my duty,” Singh stated in response to a user demanding he confront federal leaders over Punjab’s withheld Rural Development Fund dues. “But ask your leader to stop using Punjab ministers to make money for your leader. And stop fooling Punjabis with false promises.”
Critics also questioned his legislative performance during his previous tenure with the ruling state party, accusing him of failing to represent regional interests effectively in parliament.
“Check your facts. Check how many concerns I have raised in Rajya Sabha for Punjab,” Singh replied prior to limiting public responses on the microblogging platform. “It’s on record… God gave me enough by playing cricket so that I can own the facilities.”
The lawmaker maintained that public criticism remained inconsistent regardless of his legislative activity level.
“If someone raises a concern, then why? If they don’t raise, why are you quiet? Kamaal hai,” Singh added in his public remarks.
The parliamentary representative confirmed he would continue to address state-specific administrative challenges through formal legislative channels despite the ongoing political friction surrounding his new party alignment.
