Vikramjit Singh Sahney’s shift from AAP to BJP: Businessman, philanthropist and longtime Modi supporter- Moneycontrol.com
Known for philanthropy, business, and global outreach efforts
Businessman and Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney has moved from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP, joining six other MPs in a shift that had been anticipated by many observers.
Despite being nominated to the Upper House by AAP in 2022 from Punjab, Sahney had never publicly identified with the party's ideology or political line, according to a report by The Indian Express.
Known for his consistent admiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his support for BJP policies since 2014, Sahney had kept a certain political distance even while serving as an AAP MP. His recent move, therefore, is being seen less as a dramatic change and more as a formalisation of an already visible alignment.
A businessman with wide networks
Sahney is the founder and head of the Sun Group, a company engaged in trading and consultancy, particularly in fertilisers, agri commodities, and related raw materials.
The business has connections spanning multiple regions, including Africa and the Middle East. Over the years, his global exposure has translated into relationships that cut across politics, industry, and international circles.
He has often been described as someone with "several friends" across political lines. According to the report, from former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Narendra Modi, Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj; from actors Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra to Gulf royals, King of Jordan, Queen Elizabeth II, and industrialist Lakshmi Niwas Mittal — Sahney frequently showcases his interactions with a wide spectrum of influential figures on Instagram.
He has also, over the years, been included in multiple overseas business delegations tasked by the BJP-led central government with representing India internationally.
From 'not a political person' to Rajya Sabha
When AAP nominated him in 2022, Sahney himself downplayed political ambitions. Speaking at the time, he had said, "I am not a political person…I will be doing sewa of Punjab to bring it back to its glory". That framing — service over politics — has remained a recurring theme in his public messaging.
Even after entering Parliament, he largely avoided overt political positioning within AAP's framework. His recent statement explaining the switch reflects continuity in tone rather than departure. "I believe that as part of the BJP, I will be able to serve Punjab and its people with greater dedication and effectiveness with support of the Centre," he wrote, adding, "Punjab is not just a state — it is an emotion, a legacy…."
He also pointed to structural concerns, noting that the state is "going through a difficult financial crisis and uncertain times," and emphasised the need for "cooperative federalism and strong Centre-State partnerships."
Philanthropy and community engagement
Beyond business and politics, Sahney's public identity is deeply tied to philanthropy, the report said. Within Sikh communities in India and abroad, he is known for humanitarian initiatives, particularly during crisis situations. After the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, he arranged chartered flights at personal expense to evacuate around 500 Afghan Hindus and Sikhs.
Through his NGO, the Sun Foundation, he has supported refugee families under the programme "My Family, My Responsibility" and set up skill development initiatives to help with rehabilitation and employment. His work in Punjab has included funding educational programmes, training centres, and welfare initiatives, often without explicitly linking them to the then-ruling AAP government.
His organisation has also aligned its outreach with central schemes, running programmes inspired by campaigns like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. One such effort involved adopting a Mumbai slum for cleanliness work in collaboration with actor Priyanka Chopra.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, his contributions to Punjab included supplying oxygen equipment. These efforts earned him recognition from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, which conferred on him the Anmol Sikh Rattan Award, as per the report.
Cultural initiatives and global outreach
Sahney also heads the World Punjabi Organisation, founded in 1998 with former Prime Minister IK Gujral as its patron. The body aims to connect the Punjabi diaspora with India. His engagement with Sikh heritage includes projects such as multimedia museums and auditoriums in Delhi's prominent Gurudwaras, focusing on preserving and presenting historical narratives.
In addition to these roles, he has represented India in various international business delegations linked to the central government. His public profile blends entrepreneurship, cultural advocacy, and diplomacy-like engagements.
Recognition and personal pursuits
Sahney's contributions have been formally acknowledged by the Indian state as well. He received the Padma Shri in 2008 during the UPA government for what was described as his "invaluable contribution to society."
Outside of his professional and social commitments, he has also pursued creative interests. A Sufi singer, he has recorded more than 50 devotional and Sufi tracks, adding another dimension to his public persona, the report said.
Positioning his political move
Explaining his decision to join the BJP, Sahney emphasised continuity in purpose rather than change in direction. "Everything I have done in public life has been guided by one principle — Punjab first. That is not just a statement, but a lifelong commitment," he said.
He also highlighted his global exposure, writing, "Being a Harvard Alumni & a former bureaucrat and having represented India on global platforms…. I remain committed to elevating both Punjab and India's voice on the world stage."
Taken together, his shift appears less about ideological realignment and more about choosing a platform he believes offers greater administrative leverage — particularly through alignment with the Centre — while maintaining a long-standing personal and political inclination.
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