Following a major loss in the Delhi Assembly elections, Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is set to meet Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, state ministers, and AAP MLAs in Delhi on Tuesday.
The meeting comes amid rising speculation about internal unrest within the Punjab unit of the party.
While there have been rumors of increased dissent, AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang downplayed these claims, describing the upcoming meeting as a "routine strategy session."
He explained that the party continuously gathers feedback from all its units to shape its future strategies. The meeting will focus on analysing the results of the recent Delhi elections and planning for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections in 2027.
Internal tensions in AAP’s Punjab unit
AAP’s crushing defeat in the Delhi elections, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 48 seats in the 70-member assembly, leaving Kejriwal's party with only 22 seats, has intensified speculation about discontent within the Punjab unit.
While the party's landslide victory in Punjab in 2022, where it secured 92 out of 117 seats, was a historic achievement, recent events have raised concerns over the party's internal rifts.
Reports suggest that some AAP MLAs in Punjab are dissatisfied with the party leadership, leading to speculation about potential defections. These developments have triggered discussions about the extent to which AAP’s leadership in Delhi still holds sway over Punjab's governance.
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Kejriwal's loss in Delhi and opposition concerns
In the Delhi elections, Kejriwal himself was defeated by BJP’s Parvesh Verma in the New Delhi constituency. The loss has sparked fears among opposition leaders, with some predicting that the AAP may face a similar downfall in Punjab.
Currently, Punjab is the only state where AAP is in power, making Tuesday’s meeting particularly significant for the party's future strategy.
Also Read: Kejriwal attempting to replace Punjab CM Mann: BJP
Kejriwal’s potential direct role in Punjab
There is also growing speculation that Kejriwal might consider a more active role in Punjab's politics. According to reports, Kejriwal may even contest a by-election in Ludhiana, where the assembly seat is currently vacant. If he does, it would mark a significant step in his direct involvement in Punjab's governance.
This meeting between Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann, and the AAP MLAs is crucial for assessing the party’s direction after the Delhi setback and for ensuring that the party remains united and focused as it heads toward the 2027 Punjab elections.
Also read: Kejriwal to meet Punjab CM, MLAs amid speculation of conflict
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