A political showdown is set to unfold in Punjab as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) plans to hold a parallel “mock Assembly session” in Chandigarh on May 1, coinciding with a special session convened by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The move comes amid rising tensions following the recent defection of several AAP Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP.

The Bhagwant Mann-led government has called the one-day Assembly session on Labour Day, officially to discuss issues related to workers. However, the session is also expected to address the political crisis triggered by the defections, which AAP has described as an attempt to destabilise its government.

In response, the Punjab BJP has announced its own parallel event titled “Janta di Vidhan Sabha,” aimed at highlighting public concerns and countering what it calls the ruling party’s politically driven use of Assembly proceedings. The session will be led by state BJP president Sunil Jakhar and senior leader Ashwani Sharma.

The controversy intensified after seven out of ten AAP Rajya Sabha MPs switched allegiance to the BJP, significantly weakening the party’s presence in the Upper House. Since the defectors account for more than two-thirds of the party’s strength, the anti-defection law is unlikely to apply, further complicating the situation.

With opposition parties criticising the special session and raising concerns over political stability, Punjab’s political climate remains tense. Both sides are preparing to leverage their respective platforms to shape public opinion, setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle ahead of upcoming elections.