Arvind Kejriwal is now more active in Punjab and Gujarat than in Delhi. The Aam Aadmi Party has lagged behind in Delhi, but now it is preparing to strengthen its hold in Punjab and expand in Gujarat for the 2027 elections.
Kejriwal Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has been less visible in Delhi politics lately. He is not seen in protests, nor is he active in making statements against the Delhi government. His last significant appearance was at the Vice President's residence when he met with the then-Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Apart from meeting Shibu Soren in Delhi after that, no notable political activity of his has come to light.
Messaging Through Social Media
Kejriwal now reacts to most issues through social media. Whether it is the sealing drive, action against roadside markets, or private school fee hikes—he is only seen active on social media. This strategy is considered an attempt to preserve the party's image in Delhi and mark his presence.
What is AAP's New Strategy?
After the defeat in Delhi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Aam Aadmi Party decided on its future strategy in a meeting of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC). In this, a roadmap was prepared until the year 2027, and emphasis was placed on strengthening the organization in the states. Under this strategy, Kejriwal is now focusing outside Delhi, especially on Punjab and Gujarat.
Punjab: Kejriwal's New Center
Since the AAP's PAC approved the 2027 roadmap, Kejriwal has been constantly visiting Punjab. On July 31, he inaugurated several projects with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He also visited Punjab four times between May and June. His aim is to strengthen the party's position for the 2027 assembly elections.
Efforts to Strengthen the Punjab Organization
Senior party leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain have also been given responsibilities in Punjab. Sisodia is continuously active in the border areas and is working towards rapidly implementing the education model. At the same time, Jain is providing support in the health sector.
Increased Concern After Lok Sabha Elections
The Aam Aadmi Party, which won 92 seats in Punjab in 2022, suffered a major setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Congress won 7 out of 13 seats, while AAP could only win three seats. In such a situation, the party is now working towards strengthening Punjab again.
Drug-Free Punjab Campaign
Kejriwal's presence has also increased under the 'War Against Drugs' campaign launched by the Bhagwant Mann government. The aim of this campaign is to create a drug-free Punjab. In May, Kejriwal and Mann started the 'Drug Awareness Yatra' and also launched an 'Anti-Drug Curriculum' for schools in August.
Opposition Allegations and AAP's Response
The opposition has been constantly alleging that a Delhi Durbar is running in Punjab and Chief Minister Mann's independence is being affected. But the Aam Aadmi Party rejects these allegations, and Kejriwal actively participates in every major event.
New Hope in Gujarat
AAP's victory in the Visavadar by-election has given the party new energy in Gujarat. Kejriwal spent five consecutive days in the area during the election campaign. After this, he visited Gujarat twice more and also started a membership drive. He targets both BJP and Congress so that AAP can be made the main opposition in the state.
Participation in Pastoralist Movement and Rallies
During his Gujarat tour at the end of July, Kejriwal supported the pastoralists' movement in Sabarkantha and also took out a rally against the arrest of MLA Chatar Vasava. His aim is to assure the voters that AAP is the real opposition in the state.
Goa: Steps Towards Organizational Expansion
Goa is also a promising state for AAP. The party has two MLAs here and a vote share of around 6-7 percent. Kejriwal has appointed Atishi as the state in-charge and focus is on organizational expansion.
