Chandigarh/New Delhi, April 1: Senior advocate and human rights activist Harvinder Singh Phoolka is scheduled to formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party in Delhi on Wednesday. The move marks a significant return to the political mainstream for the former Aam Aadmi Party leader, who had stepped away from active politics in 2019 to dedicate his efforts to legal cases involving the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
The joining ceremony is expected to be attended by senior BJP leadership, including Sunil Jakhar and Ashwani Sharma. While Phoolka had previously voiced support for strengthening regional political entities in Punjab as recently as December 2024, he has now aligned with the saffron party. Analysts suggest his entry could influence the BJP’s standing as the state prepares for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Responding to the development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann noted Phoolka’s previous tenure as the Leader of Opposition. “I have never seen a person who breaches trust of those who elected him, ever win again in elections,” the Chief Minister stated, referring to Phoolka’s 2019 resignation as the Dakha MLA. Mann added, “But all the best to him.”
Phoolka’s background in human rights advocacy and his previous legislative experience are viewed by party insiders as assets for the BJP’s expansion strategy in Punjab. Representatives from the human rights community are anticipated to attend the membership ceremony in the national capital.
