Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has claimed that Bhagwant Mann has been marginalized in Punjab and that Arvind Kejriwal is running the government himself. Mann is upset but unable to speak openly.
Delhi CM: During the India Today Woman Summit 2025, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta made serious statements regarding Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Gupta stated that she had recently met Bhagwant Mann at a meeting of chief ministers. She claimed that Mann appeared quite upset and was not getting complete independence in his work. According to Gupta, Mann hinted that the reins of Punjab were not really in his hands, but rather that Arvind Kejriwal was making the decisions.
You have Delhi, in Punjab I am just a nominal Chief Minister
During the conversation, Rekha Gupta quipped, "Mann told me that despite being a woman, you have complete command of Delhi, but in Punjab, Kejriwal is at the center and I have been sidelined." She clarified that this conversation was not explicitly stated, but this sentiment was reflected in his gestures and words. She said that Bhagwant Mann wants to work honestly for Punjab, but he is not getting the freedom to make decisions.
Rekha Gupta's direct attack on Kejriwal
Rekha Gupta, the Chief Minister of Delhi, launched a scathing attack on Arvind Kejriwal. She said that Kejriwal's priority is no longer Delhi, but rather to establish himself in central politics. Gupta alleged that Kejriwal misled the people of Delhi with false promises and built a 'Sheesh Mahal' (palace) with public money. She said, "If I wanted, I could have lived in that Sheesh Mahal, but I did not choose to. My home is Jan Seva Sadan (public service house), where I work among the people."
Gupta listed the problems of Delhi
Targeting the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) past 10-year tenure, Rekha Gupta said that the people of Delhi are still struggling for basic amenities. She said that problems of drainage, sanitation, and traffic remain the same in many areas. She also accused Kejriwal of forgetting Delhi in his attempt to become active in national politics.
Is Bhagwant Mann being given a script?
Gupta claims that Bhagwant Mann is not being allowed to speak and that the script for his statements is decided from Delhi. She said that the Punjab government is controlled by AAP leaders sent from Delhi, whose own credibility has fallen in Delhi. Gupta also indicated that this situation is detrimental not only to Bhagwant Mann but also to the people of Punjab.
Question raised on serious problems of Punjab
Rekha Gupta also said that Bhagwant Mann wants to work on the serious problem of drug addiction and increasing debt in the state. But until he is given the freedom to make decisions independently, he will not be able to do much. She said, "Mann wants to work for Punjab with full intention, but the system itself does not allow him to work."
