The Sudden Political Firestorm Surrounding Sandeep Pathak

In the charged atmosphere of Punjab politics, few events capture attention like a high-profile defection followed by swift legal action. Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, once a key architect of the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) stunning 2022 victory in the state, has found himself at the center of a raging controversy. Just days after announcing his switch to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with six other AAP parliamentarians, Punjab Police registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) against him under non-bailable sections. The timing has ignited accusations of political vendetta from the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), while AAP maintains that law enforcement is simply doing its job.

Pathak, a former IIT Delhi professor with a background in photovoltaic research, rose rapidly within AAP ranks. Appointed national general secretary in 2022, he was instrumental in strategizing the party's campaign that swept 92 seats in Punjab's 117-member assembly, ending Congress's long dominance. His defection on April 24, 2026, marked a seismic shift, reducing AAP's Rajya Sabha strength from 10 to three and bolstering BJP's numbers in the Upper House. But the celebrations were short-lived as legal clouds gathered over him almost immediately.

The FIRs, filed in separate districts, reportedly involve serious allegations including corruption and harassment of women. Punjab Police teams even reached Pathak's official residence in Delhi's Pandara Park on May 2, but he had reportedly left via the back exit, with his phone switched off. This dramatic evasion has only fueled the narrative of a high-stakes political chase.

Pathak's Journey: From Academic Halls to Political Battleground

Born on October 4, 1979, Sandeep Kumar Pathak's early career was rooted in academia. An associate professor at IIT Delhi, he specialized in solar energy research, contributing to advancements in photovoltaic cells. His transition to politics came amid AAP's anti-corruption wave. Joining the party around 2020, Pathak quickly became Arvind Kejriwal's trusted aide and Punjab chief coordinator.

In the 2022 Punjab elections, Pathak's data-driven strategies and grassroots mobilization were credited for AAP's landslide. He was nominated to Rajya Sabha in April 2022, representing Punjab. Insiders describe him as a low-profile operator who preferred backroom planning over public spotlight. His elevation to national general secretary underscored his influence. Yet, cracks appeared as AAP faced governance challenges in Punjab, including farmer unrest and internal dissent.

Pathak's decision to defect was part of a larger exodus. Alongside Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Swati Maliwal, and Harbhajan Singh, he resigned primary membership and merged with BJP. Chadha cited AAP's deviation from core principles, while Pathak remained silent on personal reasons. The move strengthened BJP's parliamentary arithmetic but enraged AAP leadership, with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann labeling them "traitors of Punjab." AAP filed for their disqualification, and Mann plans to raise the issue with President Droupadi Murmu.

The Defection Wave: A Blow to AAP's Punjab Fortress

The mass switcheroo on April 24 stunned political observers. AAP, which stormed Punjab in 2022 promising clean governance, now grapples with high-profile exits. Of the seven, six hail from Punjab, eroding the party's regional base. Raghav Chadha, a rising star and Kejriwal's close confidant, led the pack, followed by Pathak's strategic mind.

AAP's response was fierce. Protests erupted across Punjab, with workers burning effigies of defectors. Sanjay Singh, a loyalist RS MP, accused them of betrayal for personal gain. Punjab Youth Congress echoed, calling it a BJP ploy to destabilize AAP ahead of 2027 assembly polls. SAD's Bikram Singh Majithia quipped, "Hero to zero," questioning why AAP bosses who allegedly colluded with Pathak escaped scrutiny.

For BJP, it's a coup. Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar welcomed them, positioning the party to challenge AAP's dominance. The merger boosts BJP's RS tally, aiding legislative maneuvers. However, it risks alienating AAP sympathizers in Punjab, where anti-defection sentiment runs high.

Unpacking the FIRs: What Are the Allegations?

Details of the FIRs remain sparse, but sources indicate non-bailable provisions under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). One reportedly pertains to corruption during Pathak's AAP tenure, possibly linked to party operations or funding. The second involves harassment of women, though specifics like dates or complainants are undisclosed. Filed in unnamed districts, they stem from complaints predating the switch, per police claims.

Punjab Police's Delhi visit underscores intent for immediate action. Non-bailable sections imply arrest without warrant, escalating pressure. Pathak's camp denies knowledge, calling it fabricated. No arrests yet, but speculation swirls on anticipatory bail pleas.

This mirrors a pattern. A related Punjab Pollution Control Board raid on Trident Group's unit—linked to defector Rajinder Gupta—on April 30 was dubbed routine by AAP but vendetta by BJP. Pathak's cases amplify fears of targeted probes against turncoats.

Police Raid Drama: Pathak Goes Off the Radar

On May 2 morning, Punjab Police arrived at Pathak's Lutyens' Delhi bungalow. Neighbors reported a backdoor exit; his phone went unanswered. BJP cried foul, likening it to ED raids on opposition leaders. Ashwani Sharma tweeted: "Bhagwant Mann's government is turning Punjab into a police state—dissent equals case, truth equals punishment."

Pathak's untraceability adds intrigue. As RS MP, he enjoys privileges, but non-bailable FIRs override. Legal experts predict Supreme Court intervention via anticipatory bail, citing political timing. The episode evokes Kejriwal's 2024 arrest, weaponized by BJP then, now flipped.

BJP's Fierce Backlash: Vendetta Politics Charge

BJP Punjab erupted. Working president Ashwani Sharma accused Mann and Kejriwal of fearing electoral defeat, using police as weapons. "Non-bailable clauses, immediate raids—shameful political agenda," he said. MP Sudhanshu Trivedi questioned prioritizing Pathak over Punjab's deteriorating law-order, rife with drugs and gang violence.

National spokesperson Tarun Chugh called it AAP's fragile facade cracking. BJP vows legal fight, framing AAP as dictatorial. Allies like SAD echo, with Majithia highlighting Pathak's past AAP loyalty.

AAP's Stance: Law Taking Its Course

AAP Punjab dismissed vendetta claims, insisting FIRs follow complaints. On Gupta's raid, they called it environmental compliance. No direct Pathak comment from Mann or Kejriwal, but youth wing protests signal outrage over betrayal. Sanjay Singh reiterated disqualification push, urging voters to remember "traitors" in 2027.

Internally, AAP faces crisis. Punjab's governance woes—stubble burning, water disputes—compound defections. Pathak's exit robs strategic depth ahead of Lok Sabha polls' aftermath.

Broader Ripples: Punjab's Volatile Political Landscape

Punjab's politics thrives on drama. AAP's 2022 triumph faded amid scandals; Congress-BJP-SAD alliances shift. Defections highlight fluidity, with 2027 assembly looming. BJP eyes revival via turncoats; AAP risks cadre erosion.

Legal weaponization erodes trust. Punjab's 2024 law-order failures—beheadings, drugs—contrast FIR speed on defectors. SAD demands probes into AAP leaders' alleged past collusion.

Timeline of Events

• April 2022: Pathak elected AAP RS MP from Punjab.
• Dec 2022: Named AAP national general secretary.
• April 24, 2026: 7 AAP MPs resign, merge with BJP.
• April 30: PPCB raids Trident (Gupta link).
• May 2: Two non-bailable FIRs vs Pathak; Delhi raid attempt.

What's Next: Legal Battles and Poll Portents?

Pathak likely seeks bail; BJP mobilizes support. AAP pushes disqualification. For Punjab, it signals pre-poll jockeying. Voters may punish "betrayers," reshaping alliances. Amid AAP's national ambitions, Punjab remains flashpoint—where loyalty costs dear.

This saga underscores defection's perils in India's cutthroat politics, blending ambition, revenge, and power plays.