Three Punjab MLAs Switch Sides, Join BJP Ahead of Assembly Elections

Three sitting Punjab MLAs have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, a move that has intensified political rivalry ahead of the state’s assembly elections. The legislators—Jaundamaazra, Puthanmza and Kunwar Vijay Pratap—were previously members of the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Indian National Congress. Their switch was announced on Thursday, with the BJP welcoming them as “newly elected” representatives. The decision has sparked criticism from opposition leaders who accuse the BJP of exploiting intra‑party divisions. Analysts say the move could alter the balance of power in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, where the ruling party holds a narrow majority.