10-Feb-2025, 11:14 AM
In the wake of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, questions have arisen regarding the repercussions for Punjab, the sole state where the party remains in power. AAP leaders acknowledge the potential impact, drawing parallels between big-ticket projects like free power and mohalla clinics in Delhi and Punjab. They recognize that Kejriwal’s popularity in Delhi previously influenced Punjab’s electorate, leading to AAP’s victory in the 2022 Assembly elections.
Some within AAP anticipate increased involvement of Arvind Kejriwal in Punjab’s state affairs. With the loss of Delhi, Kejriwal may focus on Punjab for the next two years leading up to the state elections, potentially leading to increased interference in the state government.
Conversely, the Congress party views AAP’s defeat as an opportunity to regain ground in Punjab3. Some Congress leaders foresee internal revolt within AAP and the possibility of a mid-term election in Punjab. They suggest that the Congress party should capitalize on AAP’s weakened position by encouraging defections and intensifying grassroots efforts.
BJP leaders in Punjab see their party’s win in the Delhi Assembly polls as an endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies. They believe that the people of Delhi have rejected the “politics of deceit” and have chosen development, transparency, and good governance. The BJP aims to reach out to the masses to convert the vote share into seats in Punjab. They are reorganizing their organizational structure and working at the grassroots level to be more aggressive.
Punjab is expected to become a hub for “political engineering” in the days ahead, according to political observers. Opinions are divided on whether Bhagwant Mann will face a rebellion or rise as Punjab’s strongest leader. Some AAP leaders dismiss rumors of Kejriwal shifting his base to Punjab, while others anticipate increased interference from the AAP top leadership.
Overall, AAP’s defeat in Delhi has triggered a flurry of activity and speculation in Punjab’s political landscape. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of Punjab politics and the strategies that various parties will adopt.
