Security for Harbhajan Singh Provided by Central Police Force

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has approved Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) protection for Harbhajan Singh, a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, following the withdrawal of his security by the Punjab Police. This decision was made public on Sunday, just one day after protests were held by members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) outside Singh's residence in Jalandhar, Punjab.

The withdrawals come after Singh, a former cricketer, alongside six other legislators, shifted allegiance from AAP to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The group included prominent figures such as Raghav Chadha and Ashok Mittal. Sources indicated that the Punjab Police's decision to rescind its security detail, which previously comprised approximately 9 to 10 personnel, was implemented on Saturday.

In response to the political developments, CRPF members were seen outside Singh's home in Jalandhar on Sunday, tasked with ensuring his safety. The protests on Saturday featured slogans labeling Singh as a 'gaddar', or traitor, a sentiment echoed by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who publicly condemned the leaders who defected.

The unrest arose following Raghav Chadha's announcement of his departure from AAP to join the BJP, where he claimed that the party had diverged from its foundational principles and values. He stated he was joining the BJP alongside six others as a consolidated faction, a move which had sparked significant controversy within Punjab's political landscape.

Following the mass exit of these lawmakers, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann referred to the defectors as 'gaddars,' alleging that the BJP was attempting to fracture AAP and accusing them of betraying the citizens of Punjab. The tensions reflect an ongoing rivalry between AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, and its former members, highlighting the political volatility in the region.

The security arrangements for Harbhajan Singh following the unrest underscore the escalating tensions within Punjab's political arena, resulting in heightened protection measures for those in positions of power amidst a backdrop of public discontent and unrest.