Punjab Politics: AAP's Defeat in Delhi Sparks Uncertainty for Its Future

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is facing significant challenges following its crushing defeat in Delhi. While electoral losses are a routine aspect of politics, the party's internal turmoil has escalated due to the unexpected defeat of Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency against BJP’s Parvesh Verma. With AAP's Delhi unit preparing for its new role as the opposition, the impact of these results is now reverberating in Punjab, where the party holds power under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Bhagwant Mann Attends Key Meeting in Delhi

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has traveled to Delhi for a crucial meeting called by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. This meeting, attended by Mann and AAP MLAs who had been actively campaigning in Delhi, has sparked speculation about the party’s future course of action.

Speculations Over Internal Struggles and Defections

Both the Congress and BJP have made contrasting claims about AAP’s stability in Punjab:

Congress's Claim: Congress leaders allege that around three dozen AAP MLAs in Punjab are in touch with their party, suggesting a possible defection.

BJP's Claim: The BJP asserts that Kejriwal, after his defeat in Delhi, may attempt to replace Bhagwant Mann as Punjab's Chief Minister.

Rebellion Rumors: Another theory suggests that Mann, along with a majority of AAP MLAs, could rebel against Kejriwal and align with the BJP, similar to Eknath Shinde’s defection in Maharashtra.

Congress Leaders on AAP's Stability

Senior Congress leaders have weighed in on the situation:

Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa claimed that multiple AAP MLAs are in contact with opposition parties and could soon switch sides.

Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa specifically stated that over 30 AAP MLAs in Punjab are in talks with the Congress.

BJP’s Claim: Kejriwal May Replace Bhagwant Mann

BJP leaders have raised concerns about a possible leadership change within AAP:

Newly-elected BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa suggested that Kejriwal might attempt to sideline Bhagwant Mann by highlighting unfulfilled promises, such as financial aid for women and tackling drug abuse, to justify taking over as Punjab’s Chief Minister.

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh remarked that the "countdown for Bhagwant Mann's government has already started."

AAP Dismisses Opposition Claims

AAP leaders have strongly refuted these allegations, dismissing them as baseless:

AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang rejected the Congress claims, stating that leaders like Partap Bajwa are indulging in wishful thinking. He mocked Bajwa’s remarks as "Mungerilal ke sapne" (daydreams), emphasizing that even Bajwa's brother has joined the BJP.

AAP’s Position in Punjab Post-2022 Victory

AAP had achieved a resounding victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, securing 92 out of 117 seats. However, following its poor performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and its Delhi defeat, the party now faces mounting scrutiny over its internal stability and governance in Punjab.

As speculation continues, AAP’s leadership must navigate these challenges carefully to maintain its hold over Punjab amid increasing pressure from both the Congress and BJP.

Read More: BRS Questions Telangana Government’s Prioritization of Miss World Pageant Amid Financial Struggles