Synopsis
In a pivotal meeting, Arvind Kejriwal, alongside Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and state MLAs, emphasized AAP's unity and focus on the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections, countering dissent claims and reaffirming party commitments.Key Takeaways
- Importance of unity within AAP highlighted
- Focus on upcoming 2027 Assembly elections
- Reinforcement of party commitments in Punjab
- Addressing challenges faced in Delhi elections
- Assurance of welfare initiatives for the public
New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) During a gathering with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and 91 state MLAs, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal emphasized the need for united efforts towards the 2027 Assembly elections in the agricultural state and refuted rumors of discord within the party, as stated by a party official.
This meeting conveyed a decisive message regarding the stability of the party’s government in Punjab, countering claims from the rival Congress about emerging discontent following AAP's electoral defeat in Delhi.
Aside from Kejriwal, notable AAP figures like Manish Sisodia and Sandeep Pathak participated in the meeting, where leaders from Delhi expressed gratitude to their Punjab counterparts for their contributions to the party's campaign and analyzed the loss in the national capital to derive valuable insights, according to a party insider.
Post-meeting, CM Mann reported that they also deliberated on establishing a new framework for the agrarian state.
In response to Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa's assertion that 30 AAP MLAs were communicating with him, CM Mann commented on the propensity of individuals to switch allegiances, noting, "It’s their party's culture to switch sides. He has been making these claims for the past three years."
Reflecting on the party's defeat in Delhi, he alleged that the BJP resorted to unethical practices such as distributing gifts, prompting frequent complaints to the Election Commission. However, he respected the mandate given by Delhi's voters.
CM Mann assured that the AAP government in Punjab is dedicated to fulfilling its commitment to provide Rs 1,000 to women in the state, although he refrained from mentioning a timeline for this promise.
He asserted that the AAP government is devoted to actualizing all election commitments and has exceeded these promises for the benefit of the public.
"We have shut down 17 toll plazas, providing daily relief of Rs 62 lakh to commuters," he highlighted while showcasing the welfare initiatives undertaken by the Punjab government.
"We are committed to utilizing public funds for their benefit," added CM Mann.
This assembly followed AAP's significant defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections and the rising speculation regarding internal turmoil within the party's Punjab faction.
Previously, AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang downplayed dissent reports, characterizing the meeting in Delhi as a routine strategy session.
AAP Punjab President Aman Arora previously stated that there was nothing significant to interpret from the meeting.
"It is a general meeting. The party chief will address all of us post the Delhi elections. We are not afraid of anyone. We stand united. Such meetings have occurred before. There’s nothing novel. Since it’s been a while since Kejriwal addressed us, we’re visiting him," Arora remarked.
The AAP, which maintained power in Delhi for a decade, faced a substantial setback in the elections held on February 5, securing only 22 seats in the 70-member House.
The BJP, with 48 seats, ended AAP's governance in the national capital, raising apprehensions about the party's electoral future elsewhere.
