Harbhajan Singh Gets CRPF Cover After Security Withdrawal
Harbhajan Singh Gets CRPF Cover After Security Withdrawal
Punjab Police has withdrawn the security cover of Rajya Sabha MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh after his political shift from the Aam Aadmi Party to the Bharatiya Janata Party, triggering a fresh political row in the state.
Punjab Police Withdraws Harbhajan Singh Security
The state police security cover deployed at Harbhajan Singh’s residence in Jalandhar was withdrawn on Saturday. The cover reportedly included around nine to ten Punjab Police personnel.
The move came shortly after Harbhajan Singh was among the AAP-linked lawmakers who switched to the BJP, along with other political figures including Raghav Chadha. The development has intensified political tensions between the ruling AAP government in Punjab and the BJP.
CRPF Deployed Outside Harbhajan Singh Residence
After Punjab Police personnel were withdrawn, Central Reserve Police Force personnel were seen deployed outside Harbhajan Singh’s residence. The central security deployment came amid concerns over the safety of the former cricketer-turned-politician.
The security change also followed protests and political criticism after the lawmakers’ switch to the BJP. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had strongly criticised the defecting leaders, accusing them of betraying the people’s mandate.
BJP-AAP Political Row Deepens In Punjab
Opposition leaders criticised the Punjab government’s decision, calling it politically motivated. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia said withdrawing security from MPs after a political shift was irresponsible and could endanger their safety.
The controversy has now become another flashpoint in Punjab politics. While AAP has framed the defections as betrayal, opposition parties have accused the state government of using security arrangements as a political tool.
