Since the Aam Aadmi Party took office in Punjab in 2022, it has often been in the spotlight — not just for policy decisions but also for the conduct of some of its own leaders. While AAP campaigned nationally and in Punjab on the promise of clean and transparent governance, a series of criminal cases, convictions, police investigations, and internal dissent have challenged that image and provided fodder for public and opposition criticism.
Punjab’s general public discourse — amplified on social media and in news coverage — increasingly frames certain leaders as “black sheep”: figures whose alleged misbehavior, legal troubles, or clashes with law enforcement have damaged both the party’s reputation and trust in governance. These controversies range from criminal charges and convictions to corruption investigations and accusations of misuse of power.
Profile: Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra — MLA with Severe Criminal Allegations
One of the most widely reported and sensational cases involves Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, the AAP MLA representing Sanaur. In September 2025, Pathanmajra was booked on serious charges including rape, cheating, and criminal intimidation following a complaint that he misrepresented his marital status and entered into a relationship under false pretenses.
His case took a dramatic turn when, while in police custody in Karnal, Haryana, he allegedly opened fire on police officers, injured at least one, and escaped custody during a vehicle chase. Punjab Police launched a widespread operation to locate him, and Pathanmajra later released online statements claiming he feared a staged “encounter.”This incident has become symbolic in Punjab’s political discourse — with opponents calling it evidence of deep dysfunction and AAP supporters arguing the matter is being politicized. Regardless, the episode drew intense media coverage and public anger.
Profile: Manjinder Singh Lalpura — Convicted in 12-Year-Old Molestation Case
Another prominent figure drawing public ire is Manjinder Singh Lalpura, an AAP legislator who was convicted in September 2025 in a molestation and assault case dating back to 2013.A Tarn Taran court found Lalpura guilty, along with several accomplices — including some police officers — in the assault of a 19-year-old Dalit woman at a wedding venue. The conviction led to a four-year prison sentence, sparking widespread condemnation given AAP’s anti-corruption and women’s safety rhetoric.Public discussion around his case often highlights not just Lalpura’s conduct, but also the lengthy delay in justice, raising questions about accountability and the political class’s moral authority when handling sensitive social issues.
Profile: Raman Arora — Corruption and Extortion Accusations
In 2025, Raman Arora, the AAP MLA from Jalandhar Central, was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau as part of a corruption and extortion investigation.Authorities allege Arora colluded with municipal officials to issue bogus notices and threatened building owners with sealing and demolition unless bribes were paid — with raids reportedly uncovering unauthorized notices, cash, and documentation pointing to irregular practices.Despite being released on bail by the High Court in one case, he was re-arrested in another extortion complaint shortly after, deepening perceptions among some sections of the public that political influence and corruption remain entrenched in state politics.
Internal Party Dissent and Discipline Issues
Not all AAP controversies in Punjab have involved criminal charges — some stem from internal disagreements and disciplinary actions. For instance, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, an AAP MLA from Amritsar North, was suspended by the party after publicly criticizing the government over the arrest of an opposition leader.Another case of internal tension involved a suspended AAP member who had accused a minister of harassment; even after a government board appointment was offered, he publicly rejected it, highlighting intra-party friction.These instances show that beyond criminal allegations, differences within AAP ranks and how dissent is managed feed into broader narratives about leadership style and accountability.
Public Perceptions, Police Actions, and Political Targeting
Public sentiment in Punjab around these controversies is a mix of anger, skepticism, and political polarization. Many ordinary citizens, farmers’ groups, and political opponents have pointed to these cases as evidence that AAP’s promises of clean governance have not fully translated into practice — fueling disillusionment among sections of the electorate.At the same time, AAP leaders counter that police actions against their members are carried out on the basis of credible evidence and legal procedure, asserting that no politician should be above the law. This defense is frequently cited when addressing corruption probes and legal cases involving their own legislators. Opposition parties, meanwhile, argue that police and vigilance bureaus are occasionally used selectively to target political rivals — intensifying debates about impartiality, rule of law, and political vendetta in Punjab’s charged electoral environment.
Conclusion — Accountability, Image, and Trust
The controversies surrounding figures like Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, Manjinder Singh Lalpura, and Raman Arora have significantly impacted the AAP’s public image in Punjab. Whether these incidents are seen as isolated misconduct or symptomatic of broader governance challenges, they have fueled ongoing debates about political accountability, law enforcement neutrality, and the gap between anti-corruption promises and political realities.As the state prepares for future elections, these profiles and the broader public discourse around them will likely continue to influence voter sentiment and political narratives across Punjab.
comparison
Below is a comparative, paragraph-based political analysis placing the AAP controversies in Punjab alongside those of Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and BJP. The focus is on “black sheep” figures, public targeting, police action, and public perception, rather than just legal outcomes.
Black Sheep in Punjab Politics: A Comparative Look at AAP, Congress, SAD and BJP
Punjab’s politics has long been shaped by strong personalities, populist promises, and equally strong controversies. While the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to power in 2022 promising a complete break from the past, the emergence of controversial figures within its own ranks has placed it in the same public scrutiny once reserved for traditional parties like the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). A comparison across parties shows that while the nature of controversies differs, the public anger and police involvement remain a common thread.
AAP in Punjab: Moral High Ground Under Pressure
AAP entered Punjab politics projecting itself as morally superior — a party that would end corruption, punish wrongdoers, and clean up both politics and policing. This made every allegation against its leaders far more damaging. When AAP MLAs were arrested, convicted, or booked in serious criminal and corruption cases, the public reaction was sharper than usual.Unlike older parties, AAP could not fall back on the excuse that “this is how politics works.” Its leaders were targeted not only by the police but also by their own narrative, which had promised zero tolerance. Public protests, social media outrage, and constant media focus turned these individuals into symbols of betrayal rather than routine political scandals. In AAP’s case, even a few “black sheep” created a perception that the party’s claim of being different was eroding.
Congress: A Long History, Normalised Controversy
The Congress party in Punjab has faced allegations for decades — ranging from corruption and misuse of power to administrative failures. However, public outrage toward Congress leaders has often been less explosive, largely because expectations are lower. Many voters see Congress controversies as familiar, even predictable.When Congress leaders are questioned or booked by police or vigilance agencies, the party quickly frames it as political vendetta. Because Congress has both ruled and been in opposition multiple times, its leaders are used to police scrutiny and legal battles. As a result, controversial figures within Congress are rarely labelled as shocking “black sheep”; instead, they are seen as part of an old, deeply entrenched political culture. This normalization has reduced immediate public anger but increased long-term cynicism.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD): Power, Patronage, and Deep Distrust
SAD’s controversies are often viewed through the lens of family control, patronage networks, and alleged links with powerful interest groups. Many people in Punjab associate SAD’s “black sheep” with issues like drugs, transport monopolies, and control over religious institutions.Police action against SAD leaders has historically been inconsistent — strong during rival governments, weak during SAD rule. This has created a widespread belief that accountability depends more on who is in power than on the rule of law. Public anger against SAD figures tends to be deep and emotional, especially among youth and rural communities, but it is also mixed with resignation — a sense that such leaders will always find ways to escape consequences.
BJP in Punjab: Smaller Footprint, Different Shield
The BJP has a limited independent base in Punjab compared to other states, which changes how its controversies are perceived. When BJP leaders face criticism or police action, it is often interpreted politically — either as retaliation by the state government or as protection from central agencies, depending on who is speaking. Because BJP has rarely governed Punjab on its own, it has fewer locally rooted “black sheep” figures compared to Congress or SAD. However, critics argue that BJP benefits from institutional protection at the national level, while supporters claim its leaders are unfairly targeted in opposition-ruled states. This ambiguity has prevented strong public mobilization either for or against BJP figures in Punjab.
Police and Public Targeting: Same System, Different Narratives
Across all parties, one constant remains — the Punjab Police and vigilance machinery. Every ruling party claims it is acting against corruption; every opposition party claims it is being targeted. The difference lies in public belief.When Congress or SAD leaders are targeted, many people assume political rivalry is at play. When AAP leaders are targeted, people ask a harsher question: “If even this party is the same, then who is different?” This is why police action against AAP leaders hurts more politically — not because it is more frequent, but because it clashes directly with public expectations.
Public Perception: The Deciding Factor
Ultimately, the impact of “black sheep” is not decided in courts alone, but in public perception. Congress suffers from fatigue, SAD from deep distrust, BJP from limited credibility in the state, and AAP from broken expectations.AAP’s biggest challenge is not the existence of controversial individuals — every party has them — but the loss of moral advantage. In contrast, older parties survive scandals because voters have already adjusted their expectations downward.
: Different Parties, Same Test
The comparison makes one thing clear: Punjab’s political crisis is not about one party, but about a system. AAP is judged more harshly because it promised more. Congress and SAD are judged less harshly because people expect less. BJP remains on the margins, shielded and questioned at the same time.For the people of Punjab, the real question is no longer which party has black sheep, but whether any party is willing and able to isolate them, punish them, and change the culture that produces them. Until that happens, public anger, police action, and political targeting will remain permanent features of Punjab politics.