Ex-AAP MLA Harsharan Singh Balli Joins BJP Ahead Of Delhi Assembly Elections

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Minister Sardar Harsharan Singh Balli on Sunday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He joined the saffron front at Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva's residence in presence of prominent BJP leaders Subhash Arya, Subhash Sachdeva and others. Balli's son, Sardar Gurmeet Singh 'Rinku' Balli, accompanied him in joining the BJP.

Balli's return to the BJP marks nearly four years since his departure. In January 2020, he left the BJP to join AAP alongside then-Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia. Balli represented the Hari Nagar assembly constituency as an MLA from 1993 to 2013 and served as Industrial Minister during Madan Lal Khurana's tenure in Delhi.

BJP and AAP Clash Over Pollution

The AAP government in Delhi and the BJP have been at odds over worsening air quality in the capital. Recently, Delhi BJP leaders protested against Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann regarding air pollution issues at Kapurthala House. They highlighted that 108 stubble burning incidents were recorded in Punjab two weeks ago. A delegation sought a meeting with Mann to present a memorandum but was unable to meet him.

Delhi BJP president Sachdeva pointed out that on October 26 alone, there were 108 cases of stubble burning reported in Punjab. Despite this, ministers from the Delhi government often blame neighbouring states Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for pollution issues.

Balli's switch back to the BJP comes amid these ongoing tensions between the two parties over environmental concerns. His political journey has seen him shift allegiances over time, reflecting broader political dynamics within Delhi.

The political landscape in Delhi continues to evolve with leaders like Balli making significant moves. Such changes can influence party strategies and voter perceptions ahead of upcoming elections.