In a major development amid the ongoing political upheaval in Punjab, the state government has withdrawn the Z+ security cover of former Indian cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh.
Following the decision, Punjab Police personnel deployed at his Jalandhar residence were immediately recalled. Soon after, the Centre stepped in and provided security through the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), with its personnel now stationed outside his residence.
The move comes against the backdrop of a deepening crisis within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), after Raghav Chadha claimed that seven Rajya Sabha MPs, including Harbhajan Singh, have distanced themselves from the party. However, Harbhajan Singh has not made any official statement regarding quitting AAP or joining the BJP.
Notably, a similar development had occurred earlier in the case of Raghav Chadha, whose Z+ security was also withdrawn by the Punjab government before he received central security cover.
The political developments have triggered strong reactions on the ground. AAP workers staged protests outside the residence of Harbhajan Singh and Ashok Mittal. Protesters raised slogans, wrote “traitor” outside their premises, and burned effigies, expressing anger over the alleged political shift. Demonstrations were also reported outside the gate of Lovely Professional University linked to Ashok Mittal.
As of now, there is no official confirmation from central authorities regarding the exact category of security provided to Harbhajan Singh after the CRPF deployment. The situation remains fluid, with political tensions continuing to escalate in Punjab over the reported Rajya Sabha defections.