NewKerala.com

HS Phoolka Set to Join BJP Today, Ex-AAP Leader's Political Shift

Senior advocate and former Aam Aadmi Party leader HS Phoolka is expected to formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Phoolka, a Padma Shri awardee, is renowned for his decades-long legal battle seeking justice for victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He had previously been an AAP MLA from Punjab's Dakha constituency before resigning from the party in 2019. His political shift marks a significant development ahead of the general elections.

Key Points: HS Phoolka to Join BJP, Former AAP Leader's Move

  • Ex-AAP leader to join BJP
  • Known for 1984 anti-Sikh riots legal battle
  • Padma Shri awardee in 2019
  • Former Punjab MLA from Dakha
  • Resigned from AAP in 2019
2 min read

Senior advocate HS Phoolka likely to join BJP today

Senior advocate and ex-AAP leader HS Phoolka is expected to join the BJP today. Known for his work on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, he left AAP in 2019.

"entering politics had been a mistake - HS Phoolka"

New Delhi, April 1

Senior advocate HS Phoolka is expected to formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday afternoon at the party headquarters.

Phoolka, a former prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, joined the party in January 2014 and contested the Ludhiana Lok Sabha seat, losing to Congress's Ravneet Singh Bittu by 19,709 votes.

In 2017, he won the Dakha constituency in the Punjab Assembly elections, defeating Akali leader Manpreet Singh Ayali. He resigned from all party positions in 2015 and officially left AAP in January 2019, stating that entering politics had been a mistake and choosing to focus entirely on his legal battles.

Phoolka is a senior advocate of the Delhi High Court, a human rights activist, author, and politician, known for his relentless fight for justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

He spearheaded one of the longest and most challenging legal battles to hold Congress leaders, including HKL Bhagat, Sajjan Kumar, and Jagdish Tytler, accountable for their roles in the killings. In recognition of his efforts, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019.

Following the riots, Phoolka helped form the Citizens Justice Committee (CJC) in 1985, which brought together legal luminaries and human rights activists to represent the victims before various judicial commissions.

He also launched the website in 2001 to make documents and findings about the riots publicly accessible. Alongside another journalist, he co-authored When a Tree Shook Delhi, the first comprehensive account of the 1984 anti-Sikh massacre.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting move. He left AAP saying politics was a mistake, but now he's joining another party. Makes you wonder what changed. Still, his legal work for justice is commendable regardless of political affiliation.
A
Ananya R
As someone from a Sikh family, we will always be grateful for Phoolka ji's tireless fight. He got Padma Shri for a reason. If he thinks joining BJP helps his cause or the state's development, I support his decision. His work speaks louder than party symbols.
V
Vikram M
Another example of the "washing machine" politics? Fight against one party for decades, then join their main rival. It's confusing for the common voter. But I will say, his contribution to the 1984 justice movement is historic and separate from this.
K
Karthik V
His book "When a Tree Shook Delhi" is a must-read to understand that dark chapter. His political journey seems messy, but his life's work on the legal front is crystal clear and heroic. Hope he uses his new position to strengthen the justice system.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, this feels like a setback for principled politics. He criticized the system and then rejoins it. Does this mean the fight was more personal/political than ideological? It dilutes the moral high ground, even if his past work was invaluable.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50