Another setback for AAP: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's cousin Gyan Singh Mann joins BJP ahead of polls

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party on Monday received another setback as its key strategist and critic Gyan Singh Mann joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. The move comes as Punjab is set to vote for the civic polls later this month and state assembly elections next year.Gyan, who is also the cousin of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, joined BJP in the presence of Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar.Gyan was a vocal critic of the AAP government, openly questioning several of its decisions and policies. Last year, he had criticised the AAP government’s controversial Land Pooling Policy 2025.This comes as AAP is dealing with a major crisis after 7 of its 10 MPs in Rajya Sabha, including Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak, decided to merge with the BJP.BJP has been trying to make inroads in Punjab as the state is yet to see a government of the saffron party. AAP has accused the party of orchestrating "Operation Lotus", as apprehensions over the possibility of more leaders switching remains high.