In an unprecedented development in parliamentary affairs in Punjab, three MLAs who are no longer associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including two who have resigned from the Assembly and joined Congress, attended the first day of the Monsoon Session of the House Friday, sitting on benches behind the colleagues from the party they have quit.
Nazar Singh Manshahia (Mansa), Amarjit Singh Sandoa (Roopnagar) and Baldev Singh (Jaito) attended the Session sitting in the last row of the benches immediately behind the AAP legislators.
Manshahia and Sandoa, after resigning as MLAs and from the primary membership of AAP, had joined the ruling Congress party. However, since their resignations have not yet been accepted by the Speaker, Rana KP Singh, and technically they remain members of the House, they attended the session. Interestingly, the Speaker was present when Sandoa had joined Congress.
Baldev Singh, on the other hand, quit AAP and joined the Punjab Ekta Party (PEP) led by Sukhpal Khaira. He also contested the Lok Sabha election from Faridkot (reserved) parliamentary constituency on PEP symbol. He, however, is yet to resign as MLA from the House.