Synopsis
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa claims that Punjab will reject AAP, similar to Delhi's voters. He foresees mid-term elections ahead, citing internal dissent within the party and criticizing Kejriwal's leadership approach.Key Takeaways
- Punjab likely to dismiss AAP, similar to Delhi.
- Mid-term elections may be on the horizon.
- Internal conflicts reported within AAP's Punjab unit.
- Kejriwal's leadership under scrutiny.
- Political shifts anticipated in Punjab.
New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa stated on Tuesday that Punjab would 'dismiss' Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), mirroring the voters' decision in Delhi, and predicted that mid-term elections would be imminent in the state.
Randhawa's comments emerged during a significant meeting convened by Kejriwal in Delhi with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, state ministers, and party MLAs, following the AAP's substantial loss in the Delhi Assembly elections. This meeting has led to speculation regarding internal conflicts within AAP's Punjab faction.
In response to the situation, Randhawa remarked to IANS, 'This meeting signifies AAP's trepidation. They assured the voters of Delhi that if their party proved corrupt, they should abstain from voting for them. The electorate rejected them. A similar scenario exists in Punjab, where law and order have deteriorated. They made numerous false pledges, and now Kejriwal is apprehensive about facing defeat.'
The AAP's decade-long governance in Delhi was concluded by the BJP, which captured 48 seats in the national capital, marking its resurgence after 27 years.
Taking a jab at Kejriwal and Mann, Randhawa stated, 'Kejriwal, who once insisted he did not require a government residence, has now constructed a 'Sheesh Mahal' for himself. Bhagwant Mann, who previously rejected security, now possesses the highest level of security in Punjab.
Randhawa asserted that both leaders were 'fearful' of losing in Punjab as well.
Speculations have been rampant concerning growing discontent within AAP's Punjab unit, with reports indicating that some MLAs are dissatisfied with the party's leadership and may consider other alternatives.
There are also whispers that Kejriwal is contemplating a more direct involvement in Punjab politics, potentially even as Chief Minister.
Regarding this speculation, Randhawa stated, 'Punjabis do not accept outsiders as their leaders. If Kejriwal attempts to become CM, it will be recorded in history that just like the British plundered India, Kejriwal is here to exploit Punjab. I doubt this will occur, but if it does, Punjab will witness mid-term elections shortly.'
Congress MP Amar Singh also condemned the meeting, questioning why Kejriwal called Punjab MLAs to Delhi instead of visiting Chandigarh.
'If he is the party president, he should travel to Chandigarh. Why is he summoning all MLAs to Delhi? This appears to be his personal inclination, which I oppose on principle,' he informed IANS.
Singh further accused Kejriwal of being 'insecure' and 'obsessed' with power. 'He merely seeks power wherever it is available. He wishes to dominate Punjab, but the state will dismiss him,' he emphasized.
The political climate in Punjab could be poised for significant transformations in the upcoming months.
