4 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Former gangster-turned-politician Gurpreet Singh Sekhon is likely to join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s visit to the Ferozepur region on Sunday, a move that could significantly alter political equations in the Zira assembly constituency.
However, there has been no official confirmation from either Sekhon or the AAP regarding his reported induction. His recent political activities and public statements have nevertheless fuelled speculation about his possible entry into the ruling party.
Sekhon’s Political Activities Fuel Speculation
Sekhon established his political office in Zira last month and had announced his intention to contest the forthcoming Assembly elections without revealing which political platform he would choose.
His growing political presence in the constituency has now led to speculation that he could be brought into the AAP fold and potentially considered for the party’s ticket from Zira in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Unease in Sitting AAP MLA’s Camp
The possibility of Sekhon joining the AAP has reportedly caused unease among supporters of sitting AAP MLA Naresh Kataria.
Kataria had met AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal last month, although details of that meeting have not been made public. Political circles are now speculating that the party could make changes to its candidate strategy in the region ahead of the Assembly polls.
A party insider claimed that constituency-level surveys assessing the winning prospects and reputation of sitting MLAs have already been conducted twice. The insider also suggested that some sitting legislators could be shifted to neighbouring constituencies or replaced by new faces.
Sekhon Already Has a Political Footprint in Ferozepur
Sekhon’s influence became more visible during the recent Nagar Panchayat elections in Mamdot, Talwandi Bhai and Mudki.
He openly backed several candidates aligned with the AAP and later attended the “tajposhi” ceremonies of some newly elected Nagar Panchayat presidents. His presence at some of these events, particularly when the local AAP MLA was reportedly absent, further strengthened speculation about his political plans.
Family’s Electoral Gains Strengthen Influence
Two of Sekhon’s relatives, including his wife, also won recent Zila Parishad elections from the Ferozeshah and Bazidpur zones.
The victories strengthened perceptions of Sekhon’s growing influence in the Ferozepur belt and demonstrated his ability to mobilise local support despite his controversial past.
Sekhon Praises Bhagwant Mann Government
Although Sekhon has not confirmed his reported AAP induction, he has recently spoken positively about Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
He praised Mann for bringing the anti-sacrilege Bill in the Punjab Assembly and said the AAP government had been doing “phenomenal work” for the welfare of ordinary people in the state.
From Gangster to Political Aspirant
Sekhon has a controversial criminal past and was previously described by authorities and media reports as a gangster. He was associated with the 2016 Nabha jailbreak, in which a heavily armed gang helped several high-profile prisoners escape from the high-security Nabha jail.
After spending years in jail, Sekhon has said he left his criminal past behind and turned towards social work and mainstream politics.
He had earlier declared his intention to contest the 2027 Assembly elections, saying he wanted to work for development in the region.
AAP’s Candidate Strategy Under Watch
The possible entry of Sekhon could become significant for the AAP’s strategy in Zira.
The constituency has traditionally had a strong Akali presence, although the political landscape has changed following the death of veteran Akali leader and former MLA Hari Singh Zira. Sekhon’s growing local network could therefore become an important factor as parties prepare for the next Assembly election.
No Formal Announcement Yet
For now, Sekhon’s reported AAP entry remains speculation rather than a confirmed political development.
If he formally joins the party in the presence of Bhagwant Mann, it could trigger fresh discussions over the AAP’s candidate selection in Zira and potentially reshape the contest ahead of the 2027 Punjab polls.