Ludhiana: AAP Core Committee member Paramjit joins Akali Dal in significant political shift

In a setback for the AAP, core committee member Paramjit Singh joined the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Sunday. Singh expressed his disappointment with the AAP government, accusing it of failing to deliver on promises made before the assembly elections. He attributed the party's decline to the neglect of grassroots workers.

Singh also praised the vision of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Welcoming Singh, Akali leaders Jagdish Singh Garcha and Paramjit Singh Sarna highlighted the growing support for their party among Punjab residents.

Controversy over leaked audio recording

A controversy erupted in Ludhiana after former MLA and Congress leader Simarjeet Singh Bains leaked a purported phone conversation between him and BJP nominee MP Ravneet Singh Bittu. In the recording, Bittu allegedly made comments about several party leaders, including BJP state president Sunil Jakhar.

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Bittu denied the authenticity of the audio, claiming it was fabricated to mimic his voice and tarnish his image. He announced plans to file a complaint with the election commission. According to Bains' associates, the audio was recorded after Bittu switched allegiance to the BJP.

In the leaked audio, Bittu is heard saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes anyone wearing a turban and urging Bains to join the BJP. Bains, who joined the Congress and dissolved his Lok Insaaf Party (LIP), posted the audio on his Facebook account. Bains said that Bittu praised him when he considered joining the BJP but made personal attacks after he joined Congress.

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Bittu responded by saying many people have recordings of his voice, but using them to tarnish his image is unfair. He accused Bains of resorting to such tactics after joining Congress, possibly with the party's support. Bittu emphasized that during elections, BJP encourages leaders from all parties to join them, believing they will form the central government.

Bittu also targeted radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh, who is running as an Independent from Khadoor Sahib. He framed the election as a choice between nationalist and anti-nationalist forces, urging Punjab voters to support Modi for development. Meanwhile, BJP workers shared old video clips of Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring calling Bains an "electricity thief."