In the aftermath of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) significant defeat in the recent Delhi Assembly elections, party leader Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to convene a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with state ministers and AAP legislators, in Delhi on Tuesday. This gathering comes amid circulating rumors of internal dissent within the party’s Punjab faction.
The Delhi elections, held on February 5, 2025, resulted in a substantial setback for AAP, which had governed the capital for a decade. The party managed to secure only 22 out of 70 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) achieved a commanding majority with 48 seats, thereby ending AAP’s tenure in Delhi.
In contrast, AAP had achieved a resounding victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, winning 92 out of 117 seats. However, recent developments have led to speculations about internal discord, with reports suggesting that some Punjab MLAs are dissatisfied with the party’s central leadership and may be contemplating alternative political paths.
Despite these rumors, AAP Member of Parliament Malvinder Singh Kang has downplayed the notion of internal strife, describing the upcoming meeting as a routine strategic session. He emphasized that such interactions are standard practice within the party to gather feedback and formulate future strategies. Kang stated, “A party is a continuous process. Feedback from all units is taken to shape its future strategies. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with AAP MLAs, will meet Arvind Kejriwal to discuss the way forward.”
The agenda for the meeting is expected to include a thorough analysis of the Delhi election results and the development of strategies for the upcoming 2027 Punjab elections. Given the recent electoral setback in Delhi, the party aims to reassess its approach and strengthen its position in Punjab.
Adding to the intrigue, there is speculation that Arvind Kejriwal might consider taking a more direct role in Punjab’s politics. With the Ludhiana assembly seat currently vacant, political observers are contemplating the possibility of Kejriwal contesting from this constituency, potentially integrating himself into the Punjab government. This move could signify a strategic shift in AAP’s focus following its departure from power in Delhi.
The meeting between Kejriwal and the Punjab leadership is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for AAP as it navigates internal challenges and seeks to reinforce its political standing in the region. The outcomes of this discussion may have significant implications for the party’s future trajectory in Punjab and beyond.
