Chandigarh/New Delhi, April 1: Harvinder Singh Phoolka, the veteran lawyer known for his decades-long legal battle for the victims of the 1984 riots, will officially enter the Bharatiya Janata Party fold on Wednesday. The induction, held in Delhi, follows a period where Phoolka remained distanced from party politics after resigning his seat in the Punjab Assembly five years ago.
The transition follows a period of speculation regarding Phoolka’s political future. In late 2024, the senior advocate had expressed interest in bolstering regional forces within Punjab and had reportedly considered an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal. However, he has ultimately chosen to join the BJP, a move that party leaders Sunil Jakhar and Ashwani Sharma are set to oversee.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the shift, pointing to Phoolka’s history with the Aam Aadmi Party. Mann affirmed that while the party had entrusted Phoolka with the role of Leader of Opposition in 2017, the advocate eventually vacated both that post and his position as an MLA. “I have never seen a person who breaches trust of those who elected him, ever win again,” Mann declared regarding the move.
Observers maintain that Phoolka’s legal expertise and reputation will be integrated into the BJP’s broader political framework for the upcoming 2027 state elections. His supporters and colleagues from the legal fraternity are expected to be present as he submits his membership in the capital.
