Synopsis
Following the BJP's victory in Delhi, opposition parties ramp up their efforts to undermine AAP's last remaining stronghold in Punjab, which is preparing for elections in 2027. Key political figures are making strategic moves in anticipation of the upcoming polls.Key Takeaways
- Delhi's BJP Victory: AAP's 12-year rule ends.
- Punjab's Political Landscape: AAP's stronghold challenged.
- Leadership Changes: Aman Arora may replace Mann.
- Corruption Allegations: AAP faces charges in Punjab.
- BJP Reorganization: Grassroots efforts underway.
Chandigarh, Feb 8 (NationPress) Following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) dismantling of the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) 12-year governance in Delhi, opposition factions have intensified their efforts to destabilize AAP's final stronghold in Punjab, where elections are set for 2027.
In reaction to the party's defeat in Delhi, which saw several prominent AAP leaders, such as national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Saurabh Bhardwaj, lose their seats, BJP leader and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu mocked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stating, “It’s his turn to pack his bags.”
“Today, the entire nation is rejoicing in the triumph of Delhi’s BJP workers... When the BJP takes charge in Punjab, no one will have to sell their home, property, or land to emigrate. Everyone will find employment here. This is Narendra Modi's vision,” he asserted.
Bittu, who previously belonged to Congress, suggested that state party leader Aman Arora could supplant Bhagwant Mann as Chief Minister. “Aman Arora has claimed that if Manmohan Singh, from the Sikh community, could be a Prime Minister, he too can become a CM as a Hindu. By stating this, he is laying the foundation. Bhagwant Mann has never ventured out,” the Union minister noted.
Seizing the opportunity to retaliate against AAP for its impact on Congress’ political landscape in the October Assembly elections in Haryana, where no alliance was formed despite an anti-incumbency wave against the BJP, Leader of Opposition and senior Congress figure Partap Singh Bajwa remarked on a news channel following AAP’s defeat in the national capital that over 30 AAP MLAs in Punjab are in communication with him.
Although the BJP remains “headless” in Punjab after President Sunil Jakhar resigned last November post-Lok Sabha elections, his resignation remains unaccepted by the party. Despite his absence from party meetings, he continues addressing state issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the wedding of Jakhar's grandson in Delhi this week.
Extending his congratulations to the BJP for its success in Delhi, Jakhar posted on X, “Kudos to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National President JP Nadda, and all BJP workers for liberating Delhi from AAP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their dedication has led to the lotus blooming in Delhi after 27 years.”
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Badal joined the conversation, stating, “Huge congratulations to the people of Delhi who have seen through the Aam Aadmi Party's web of deception and have decisively rejected both Arvind Kejriwal and AAP.”
“Similar to Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party is embroiled in extensive corruption and fund misdirection in Punjab. The Punjab AAP leadership lacks moral integrity and has failed on all fronts, ultimately crippling the state's economy,” Badal added.
A close associate in the state BJP, Anil Sarin, asserted that AAP, which previously ruled both Delhi and Punjab, has now lost the National Capital to the BJP. “It's undeniable that Punjab will witness ripple effects in 2027. The citizens of Punjab are already weary of three years under AAP. Therefore, we will engage with the populace to convert our vote share into seats,” he emphasized.
The BJP is undergoing reorganization. Positions at the mandal, district, and booth levels will be re-elected by the end of February and a new state body will be formed in March. Thus, clarity will emerge by next month. We are actively working at the grassroots level, and following the Delhi elections, we need to adopt a more aggressive approach,” Sarin added.
Political analysts suggest that, in the current political environment, the primary opposition party, Congress, may form the next government in Punjab during the upcoming Assembly elections, provided they can manage internal conflicts within the state unit, or the splinter faction of AAP led by Bhagwant Mann may establish the government by defecting and aligning with the BJP ahead of the elections.
