Ex-BJP Minister Switch to Congress in Punjab Ahead of Polls
Anil Joshi joins Congress, shaking up Punjab’s politics.
In a significant political development, former Punjab minister Anil Joshi officially joined the Congress party on Wednesday, marking a high-profile defection that could reshape the state’s political landscape. The induction took place in Chandigarh in the presence of Congress’ Punjab in-charge and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, alongside other senior party leaders.
Joshi’s move to Congress follows a recent meeting in Delhi with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal, signaling intense behind-the-scenes negotiations. Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring welcomed Joshi, describing him as a prominent figure in Punjab politics. “I warmly welcome him into the party,” Warring told the media, highlighting Joshi’s stature and influence.
The joining ceremony saw the attendance of key Congress figures, including Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa and Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla, underscoring the party’s enthusiasm for Joshi’s inclusion. His defection is seen as a strategic boost for Congress as it seeks to strengthen its position in Punjab ahead of future elections.
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Joshi’s political journey has been marked by notable shifts. A former BJP leader, he was elected as the MLA from Amritsar North in 2007 and 2012 on a BJP ticket. During the SAD-BJP coalition government from 2012 to 2017, he served as the minister for local bodies, medical education, and research. However, his outspoken criticism of the central government’s handling of the 2021 farmers’ agitation against the now-repealed farm laws led to his expulsion from the BJP.
Following his ouster, Joshi briefly aligned with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Amritsar on an SAD ticket, though he was unsuccessful. He resigned from SAD in November 2024 but rejoined the party in June 2025 in the presence of SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal in Ludhiana. His latest move to Congress, however, signals a fresh chapter in his political career.
Joshi’s decision to join Congress is likely to stir political ripples in Punjab, where alliances and loyalties are constantly shifting. His experience as a former minister and his strong regional connect in Amritsar could bolster Congress’ appeal in urban constituencies. Political analysts suggest that Joshi’s defection may also reflect growing discontent within SAD and BJP ranks, potentially encouraging other leaders to explore new alignments.
As Punjab gears up for future electoral battles, Congress appears to be capitalizing on Joshi’s political clout to expand its base. The party’s leadership expressed confidence that his inclusion will energize its cadre and strengthen its outreach efforts, particularly in areas where Joshi commands a loyal following. For now, all eyes are on how Joshi’s switch will influence the state’s dynamic political equations.
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