Politics is often a game of timing and optics, and in Punjab, that game is getting more interesting by the day. We’ve seen high-profile leaders switch parties before, but when someone from the inner circle of the administration makes a move, people really start paying attention. The latest development that has everyone talking is Onkar Singh a former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann deciding to join the BJP.If you’ve followed the rise of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, you know that the "core team" around the CM is handpicked and deeply trusted. Onkar Singh wasn't just another employee; as an OSD, he was essentially the bridge between the administration and the political machinery. He was a man who saw how the gears moved behind the scenes. His transition to the BJP isn’t just a simple change of jobs; it's a political statement.So, why does this matter so much? In a state like Punjab, the BJP is constantly trying to expand its footprint and build a stronger local narrative. By bringing in someone who has worked closely with the AAP leadership, the BJP isn't just gaining a new member—they are gaining "insider" knowledge and a talking point that suggests all is not well within the ruling party’s camp.For CM Bhagwant Mann, this move might be a bit personal. Losing a close aide to a rival party is never easy, especially when that rival is the BJP, which has been extremely vocal about its criticisms of the current Punjab government. Onkar Singh's departure will likely trigger a fresh round of debates about the internal culture and the direction in which the AAP is heading in the state.Of course, we see "musical chairs" in politics quite often as elections draw near or strategies change. Onkar Singh hasn’t hidden his intentions, and his presence on the BJP stage signifies that the political landscape in Punjab is far from settled. While the AAP camp might dismiss this as a single person moving for their own career, the opposition will definitely use it to paint a picture of a "leaking ship."As we watch how this unfolds, one thing is certain: the competition in Punjab is moving beyond just the rallies. It's moving into the very heart of the offices where policy and politics are made. Whether this move leads to a bigger exodus or remains an isolated event is something only time and perhaps a few more tweets will reveal.
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