Arvind Kejriwal summoned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his MLAs to Delhi on Tuesday for a crucial meeting, igniting speculation about the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) stability in its last remaining stronghold. The Kejriwal Punjab Meeting comes in the wake of a drubbing in the recent Delhi Assembly elections and growing whispers of internal strife within the Punjab unit. Is AAP’s grip on Punjab loosening?
The AAP’s performance in the Delhi elections, where it secured a mere 22 seats compared to the BJP’s 48, has sent shockwaves through the party. This defeat, after a decade in power, has raised serious questions about AAP’s future prospects, particularly in Punjab, where it swept the 2022 Assembly elections with 92 seats. The Kejriwal Punjab Meeting aims to analyze what went wrong in Delhi and prevent a similar outcome in Punjab.
Adding fuel to the fire, Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa has claimed that over 30 AAP MLAs in Punjab are in contact with his party and are ready to jump ship. While AAP leaders have dismissed these claims as “impossible dreams,” the rumors of dissatisfaction within the Punjab unit are hard to ignore. There is speculation that Arvind Kejriwal might take a more active role in Punjab politics. With the Ludhiana assembly seat vacant, observers are discussing the possibility of Kejriwal contesting from there and joining the Punjab government.
While AAP leaders are downplaying the significance of the Kejriwal Punjab Meeting, sources suggest that the agenda includes:
- Analyzing the Delhi election results and identifying the reasons for AAP’s defeat.
- Addressing concerns about internal unity and stemming the tide of potential defections.
- Planning for the Punjab Assembly elections in 2027.
- Discussing the possibility of Kejriwal taking on a more active role in Punjab politics.
The BJP and Congress are seizing on AAP’s troubles, predicting a similar downfall in Punjab. BJP leaders have gone so far as to suggest that the Kejriwal Punjab Meeting is a prelude to the removal of Bhagwant Mann from the Chief Minister’s post. Congress leaders, meanwhile, are openly courting disgruntled AAP MLAs, hoping to trigger mid-term polls.
The Kejriwal Punjab Meeting is undoubtedly a critical moment for the Aam Aadmi Party. The outcome of this meeting could determine whether AAP can hold onto its last major state or whether it will succumb to internal divisions and opposition pressure.
What do you think? Can Kejriwal turn things around in Punjab, or is AAP heading for a fall? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
