Following Delhi Defeat, AAP Faces Crisis; Speculation Mounts Over Punjab Government's Fall. Congress and BJP Leaders Make Claims; Kejriwal Calls MLA Meeting; AAP Dismisses Rumors.
AAP vs Congress: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) suffered a crushing defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections. Since then, speculation has been rife about the party's future. These speculations have gained momentum as several BJP and Congress leaders claim that the AAP government in Punjab may soon fall.
Kejriwal Calls MLA Meeting—What's the Reason?
Today (February 11), a crucial meeting of all AAP MLAs in Punjab is scheduled, to be chaired by Arvind Kejriwal himself. While AAP leaders claim this is a routine meeting, Congress and BJP leaders allege that internal strife has intensified within the party, raising concerns about a potential split.
Congress Leaders' Claims
Congress MP and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, claimed on Monday that mid-term elections in Punjab are possible, as several AAP MLAs may defect following the party's electoral defeat in Delhi. He stated, "Several AAP MLAs are in touch with other parties." However, Randhawa added that the Congress high command should refrain from inducting such MLAs into their party.
Punjab Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Pratap Bajwa also claimed that 30 AAP MLAs are in contact with the Congress. Meanwhile, Congress MP Amar Singh stated that deep-seated infighting exists within AAP, and Arvind Kejriwal now seeks to completely control the Punjab government.
When Congress MP Pramod Tiwari was asked about the possibility of AAP MLAs joining Congress, he responded, "Congress does not believe in breaking any party; that is the BJP's modus operandi."
BJP Also Targets AAP
BJP leaders have also launched attacks on the AAP government. BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said at an event on Monday that the AAP government in Punjab could fall anytime. On Tuesday, BJP MP Yogendra Chandoliya also stated that a "stampede" is about to occur in Punjab. BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal added, "Arvind Kejriwal fears that the Punjab government might also fall like the Delhi government. Therefore, he is making unsuccessful attempts."
AAP Leaders' Clarifications
Amidst this turmoil, AAP leaders have attempted to clarify the situation. Punjab cabinet minister Baljit Kaur stated, "Kejriwal Ji always holds meetings with us. From time to time, all MLAs, ministers, and workers discuss strengthening the party. This is our regular process. The Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab faces no threat."
AAP MLA Rupinder Singh Happy also said, "We hold meetings every two or three months. Our government is completely b. Whatever Pratap Bajwa says is baseless. First, let him bring his brother from the BJP."
AAP MP from Punjab, Malwinder Singh Kang, also dismissed the allegations by Congress and BJP, saying, "The government in Punjab under Bhagwant Mann's leadership is performing well. Kejriwal Ji is the national convener, so he keeps meeting the MLAs."
Is a Delhi-Like Political Upheaval Possible in Punjab?
After the Delhi defeat, retaining the Punjab government has become a major challenge for the Aam Aadmi Party. Both Congress and BJP are trying to corner the AAP government. However, AAP leaders claim their government faces no threat. It will now be interesting to see what new equations emerge after Kejriwal's meeting.
